Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the imposition of tariffs by United States President Donald Trump, calling them “very dumb” and alleging that Washington was appeasing Russian President Vladimir Putin while launching a trade conflict against Canada.
Speaking at a press conference in the final days of his tenure, Trudeau announced that Canada would impose retaliatory tariffs exceeding $100 billion on American goods in response to Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs.
“Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” said a visibly agitated Trudeau.
The American president imposed tariffs against the nation’s three largest trading partners, prompting swift retaliation from Canada, Mexico, and China, while also triggering financial market uncertainty. As of midnight, Trump enforced a 25 per cent tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, with Canadian energy facing a lower 10 per cent levy.
Trudeau accused Trump of seeking to “collapse” Canada’s economy to facilitate an annexation attempt. “What he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us,” Trudeau remarked. “That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”
He directly addressed the American president, stating, “I want to speak directly to one specific American, Donald. It’s not in my habit to agree with The Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”
Later in the day, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that negotiations could lead to a compromise. “I think he’s going to figure out, you do more, and I’ll meet you in the middle in some way,” Lutnick told Fox Business News.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, countered with a warning, stating, “Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!”
The US leader’s stance has sparked widespread resentment across Canada, with citizens voicing their displeasure in various ways, including booing the American national anthem at NHL and NBA games.
Trudeau captured the public sentiment, stating, “Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry. We are going to choose to not go on vacation in Florida. We are going to choose to try and buy Canadian products … and yeah we’re probably going to keep booing the American anthem.”
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has proposed a 25 per cent export tax on electricity supplied to the US and hinted at the possibility of severing supply lines entirely should American tariffs persist.
Ontario powered approximately 1.5 million homes in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota in 2023.
Ford also disclosed to The Associated Press that Ontario would halt the sale of nickel and rare minerals to the US. Additionally, American liquor brands are being removed from provincial government store shelves.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which generates nearly CAD 1 billion (USD 687 million) in annual sales from American alcoholic beverages, has commenced delisting such products as part of retaliatory measures
