The leaders of Mexico and Canada responded quickly, and in different ways. Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, jumped on the phone to Mr Trump to chat about the “intense and effective connections” between their countries. His deputy, Chrystia Freeland, released a statement about the importance of border security.

The president-elect’s opening salvo in trade and border talks with the United States’ neighbors is casting a harsh light on the North American alliance.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico said she had an "excellent conversation" with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, lowering tensions stoked this week by the American leader's threat to impose tariffs.