Canada Hits Back: Trudeau Calls US Tariffs ‘Very Dumb’ \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Trump’s tariffs as “very dumb” and announced $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Ontario plans export taxes on electricity and minerals, while Canadians boycott American products and protest at sporting events. The escalating trade war threatens U.S.-Canada relations and economic stability.
Canada-US Trade Tensions: Quick Looks
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Trump’s tariffs, calling them “very dumb.”
- Canada announced $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods.
- Trudeau accused Trump of appeasing Russia while attacking allies.
- Ontario plans export taxes on U.S. electricity and mineral sales.
- Canadian consumers boycott U.S. products and protest at sporting events.
Deep Look
In a heated final press conference before leaving office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian goods, calling them “very dumb” and accusing Trump of appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against America’s closest ally. Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate with over $100 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports, escalating tensions between the two North American trade partners.
The move came after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, sending financial markets into turmoil. Although Canada’s energy exports were taxed at a lower rate of 10%, Trudeau decried the tariffs as an economic attack that undermined decades of close cooperation between the two nations.
Trudeau Slams Trump’s Trade Policies
During his press conference, Trudeau expressed frustration over what he described as Trump’s double standard—cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin while simultaneously launching aggressive trade measures against allied nations.
“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,” Trudeau said, his anger visible.
Trudeau argued that Trump’s actions were designed to weaken Canada economically, making it more vulnerable to U.S. influence. Rejecting the idea that Canada could ever be forced into submission, he declared:
“What he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us. That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”
Trudeau’s Direct Challenge to Trump
In a rare moment of direct address, Trudeau spoke to Trump by name, making an appeal to logic while mocking his decision-making.
“I want to speak directly to one specific American, Donald,” Trudeau said. “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.”
Trump responded swiftly on Truth Social, dismissing Trudeau’s concerns and doubling down on his tariff strategy.
“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!” Trump posted.
Trump’s threat of escalating tariffs only deepened fears of an extended trade war that could disrupt supply chains, raise prices, and create uncertainty in North American markets.
Canadian Public Outrage and Boycotts
The U.S. tariffs have triggered strong reactions across Canada, with citizens expressing outrage over what they perceive as economic betrayal. Canadians have responded by boycotting American products, canceling trips to the U.S., and loudly protesting Trump’s policies at major sporting events.
“Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry. We are going to choose to not go on vacation in Florida,” Trudeau said. “We are going to choose to try and buy Canadian products … and yeah, we’re probably going to keep booing the American anthem.”
At NHL and NBA games in Canada, fans have taken to booing the American national anthem as a form of protest. The backlash reflects growing frustration with the U.S. administration’s approach to its closest ally.
Ontario Leads Trade Retaliation Against the U.S.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province and a major economic hub, has taken a leading role in retaliating against Trump’s tariffs. Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario would impose a 25% export tax on electricity sold to the U.S., which currently powers 1.5 million homes in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. If tariffs remain in place, Ford warned that Ontario could cut off electricity exports entirely.
Ford also declared that Ontario would halt the sale of nickel and other rare minerals to the U.S., a move that could impact American industries reliant on these critical resources for manufacturing and technology.
Additionally, Ontario and other provinces have begun removing American liquor brands from government-controlled store shelves. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which generates nearly $1 billion CAD ($687 million USD) in annual sales from American alcoholic beverages, has already pulled multiple U.S. brands from its inventory.
These economic measures are designed to pressure the U.S. into reconsidering its tariffs while limiting Canada’s dependence on American imports.
Financial Markets React to Trade War Escalation
Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Investors worry that escalating trade disputes could lead to prolonged economic uncertainty, increased consumer prices, and job losses on both sides of the border.
Experts have warned that the U.S. tariffs could backfire by disrupting North American trade and pushing Canada to strengthen ties with other global markets. Some analysts predict that Canada will seek closer economic partnerships with the European Union and Asian nations to reduce its reliance on U.S. trade.
Trudeau, meanwhile, has remained resolute, insisting that Canada will stand firm against economic intimidation. He rejected the notion that Trump’s tariffs could force Canada into submission, saying that his country would not compromise its sovereignty or economic independence.
What’s Next for U.S.-Canada Relations?
With tensions at an all-time high, the trade conflict between the U.S. and Canada shows no immediate signs of resolution. Trump has made it clear that he intends to escalate tariffs if Canada retaliates, while Canadian officials are standing their ground with economic countermeasures.
As the situation unfolds, the future of North American trade hangs in the balance. The dispute threatens not only economic stability but also the long-standing diplomatic relationship between two of the world’s closest allies.
Whether cooler heads will prevail remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Canada is ready to fight back.
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