President Donald Trump fired back at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after Trudeau criticized the new U.S. tariffs as “very dumb.” Trump, posting on Truth Social, argued that any retaliatory tariffs from Canada would be met with an equal increase in U.S. tariffs. His comments came after Trudeau condemned the Trump administration’s 25% tariffs, which took effect Tuesday. In response, Canada imposed its own 25% tariffs on American imports.
Speaking to reporters, Trudeau accused the U.S. of launching a trade war against its closest ally while simultaneously trying to strengthen ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Canadians are reasonable and polite, but we won’t back down when our country’s well-being is at stake,” he declared. Addressing Trump directly, Trudeau reminded him of their years of cooperation and urged him to work together for North American prosperity. Quoting The Wall Street Journal, he called the tariffs a “very dumb” move, arguing that trade conflicts between allies benefit global competitors.
Trump’s executive order imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. Canadian energy exports—including oil, natural gas, and electricity—will also face a 10% levy. In retaliation, Canada rolled out tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, starting with $30 billion now and an additional $125 billion in three weeks. Trudeau vowed the tariffs would remain in place until the U.S. withdrew its own.
Trudeau also rejected the Trump administration’s justification for the tariffs, which cited Canada’s alleged inaction against illegal fentanyl. Calling the claim “totally false,” he accused Trump of deliberately harming Canada’s economy, even suggesting Trump aimed to weaken Canada for annexation. “We will never be the 51st state,” he insisted, warning that the tariffs would cause economic pain on both sides of the border.
Trudeau said he expects to speak with Trump soon to discuss the issue.
