Politics

Nieto, Trump agree to stop speaking about border wall payment, Mexico says; Pair have long phone call

Trump: Call with Peña Nieto was very friendly
VIDEO2:1002:10
Trump: Call with Peña Nieto was very friendly

President Donald Trump and the president of Mexico have spent one hour talking on the phone amid rising tensions over Trump's proposed wall along the border.

Two administration officials confirmed Friday's call.

The Mexican government said the presidents agreed not to speak publicly for now on the subject of payment for the border wall.

Trump and Enrique Pena Nieto were supposed to meet in Washington next week, but the Mexican president said Thursday that he was canceling the visit.

He canceled after Trump moved forward with plans to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and have Mexico pay for construction.

Following the cancellation,Trump's spokesman said the White House would seek to pay for the border wall by slapping a 20 percent tax on all imports from Mexico — as well as other countries with a trade deficit with the U.S. The White House later cast the proposal as just one option to pay for the wall.

The two administration officials insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the call publicly.

Slim: If US growth hits 4%, Mexican workers in US will be responsible
VIDEO1:2001:20
Slim: If US growth hits 4%, Mexican workers in US will be responsible