Trump Says He’d Rather Walk Away Than Renew USMCA Before July 1 Deadline

US President Donald Trump told reporters in Paris that he would prefer the US not to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it faces a July 1 deadline, calling the pact unnecessary and repeating his view that the original NAFTA was the worst trade deal ever. Trump said he would rather let the agreement expire than sign a renewal, but left the door open to a last-minute deal. “I’m thinking about maybe we won’t be able to make a deal. I would rather not have the USMCA,” Trump said. “I’d rather leave it unsigned; I’d rather have it terminated. I would rather not have the agreement, but I may sign it.” The USMCA is currently set to enter a rolling 10-year review period if not renewed by July 1, rather than expiring outright. Trump’s comments reflect deep skepticism toward the pact despite its central role in North American trade, and he reiterated his long-standing position that both Canada and Mexico need US trade more than the reverse. Negotiations are ongoing with Mexico this week on a bilateral basis, while formal talks with Canada have not yet begun. Trump also confused the July 1 milestone with an immediate termination scenario, suggesting he views the agreement as potentially lapsing right away. No six-month notice of withdrawal has been issued, and Trump has not publicly threatened to exit the deal outright. The president’s remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding the future of North America’s key trade framework as the deadline approaches.