Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump over the decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on nearly all Canadian exports, calling the move “a very dumb thing to do.”
In a national address on Tuesday, March 4, Trudeau vowed that Canada “will not back down” in the escalating trade dispute. While most Canadian exports will be subjected to the steep tariffs, some energy products will face a lower 10 percent rate. .
In response, Canada has already implemented billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs, with additional measures expected in the coming weeks.
Trudeau expressed frustration over the U.S. government’s approach, particularly in comparison to its stance on Russia. “Make that make sense,” he remarked.
He also emphasized that Canadians are “reasonable and polite” but will not hesitate to stand firm when their country’s economic well-being is at stake.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Trudeau admitted that the situation “is going to be tough” but reassured Canadians that his government would use “every tool at our disposal” to support affected industries and workers.
He also addressed American citizens directly, arguing that their government’s decision would hurt them as well.
Trump has defended the tariffs, claiming they are necessary due to Canada’s alleged failure to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the border.
However, Trudeau dismissed these claims as “completely bogus,” pointing to Canada’s recent $1.3 billion investment in border security, which includes additional personnel, drones, helicopters, and a newly appointed “fentanyl czar.
Reflecting on his working relationship with Trump, Trudeau urged the former president to reconsider the move, emphasizing the economic and diplomatic progress both countries had made over the years.
“In the over eight years you and I have worked together, we’ve done big things … we should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world,” he said.
Quoting The Wall Street Journal, Trudeau added: “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.”
He warned that a trade war between Canada and the U.S. would only benefit their adversaries. “We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see,” he said.
Trudeau further accused Trump of intentionally trying to damage Canada’s economy and even seeking to annex the country.
“First of all, that’s never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state. But yeah, he can do damage to the Canadian economy, and he’s started this morning,” Trudeau asserted.
However, he predicted that the impact would also be felt in the U.S. “American families are going to find out that this is going to hurt people on both sides of the border,” he warned.