Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's tariffs decision on Tuesday, calling it "very dumb," and accused Trump of appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said, what he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's tariffs decision on Tuesday, calling it "very dumb," and accused Trump of appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against Canada.
During a press conference in his office, Trudeau said, "Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend," AP reported.
Trudeau said that Canada would plaster retaliatory tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods in response to Trump's 25% tariffs.
"At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” a visibly angry Trudeau said as quoted by AP.
Trump imposed tariffs against Washington's three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China and sending financial markets into a tailspin. Just after midnight, Trump put 25% taxes, or tariffs, on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy.
“What he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us,” Trudeau said. “That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”
Trudeau addressed Trump directly by his first name.
"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."
"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," Trudeau said on Tuesday.
Later Tuesday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the U.S. would likely meet Canada and Mexico “in the middle,” with an announcement coming as soon as Wednesday.
Lutnick told Fox Business News that the tariffs would not be paused but that Trump would reach 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 said.
In a post on Truth Social earlier Tuesday, Trump said: “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 has threatened Canada's sovereignty, provoking anger in the country. Canadian hockey fans have been booing the American national anthem at recent NHL and NBA games. Trudeau channelled the betrayal that many Canadians are feeling.
(With AP Inputs)