Trump’s remarks came after trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa reportedly stalled, prompting the United States to impose new tariffs of up to 50% on some Canadian products.
He also claimed that American farmers have been paying excessively high tariffs for many years.
Trump said Canada wants to benefit from its close economic relationship with the United States while refusing to become part of the country. Since returning to office, he has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the “51st state,” a proposal that has sparked strong reactions among Canadian leaders and the public.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the idea and said his country would not accept the terms being demanded by Washington.
“We cannot accept what they have offered us, and we will not give them what they have asked for,” Carney said.
He described the new US tariffs as a harmful move that could further divide the two countries and said Canada would respond with retaliatory measures to protect its interests.
The new tariffs affect a range of Canadian products, including steel, dairy products, household goods, clothing and sporting equipment.
Trump has defended tariffs as a key part of his trade policy, arguing that they will help boost American manufacturing and create more jobs in the United States.
