Trump considers executive order

TRADE /

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is considering a draft executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, though administration officials caution it’s just one of a number of options being discussed.

Some in the administration want Trump to sign a draft order this week, before the end of his first 100 days in office, while others are weighing the complications surrounding withdrawing from or renegotiating the deal without Congress fully onboard, according to a source who requested anonymity.

Trump can withdraw from NAFTA, but he has to give six months’ notice. And it is unclear what would happen next. The law Congress passed to enact the trade pact might remain in place, forcing Trump to wrangle with lawmakers and raising questions about the president’s authority to raise tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.