Trump Blames Trudeau for Tariffs, Calls It a Re-Election Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being responsible for the newly imposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports and using it as a political tool for his re-election campaign.

In a continued war of words, Trump alleged that Trudeau had “largely caused” the tariff issue and was now leveraging it for political gain. “Believe it or not, despite the terrible job he’s done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch!” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.

The Trump administration imposed the 25% tariff, citing Canada’s failure to curb the flow of the synthetic drug fentanyl into the U.S. The measure, which took effect on Tuesday, threatens to disrupt nearly $2.2 trillion in annual trade between the two countries.

In response, Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $20.82 billion worth of U.S. imports and warned of further countermeasures. Canada has also taken the dispute to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for consultations.

Speaking earlier today, Trudeau said Canada is now in a prolonged trade war with its largest trading partner. “I can confirm that we will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future,” he stated, following what he described as a “colorful” conversation with Trump. Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to negotiating with senior U.S. officials to have the tariffs removed.

Despite the escalating tensions, Trump announced a temporary one-month exemption for U.S. automakers. However, Canadian officials maintain that Trudeau will not lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs unless the U.S. fully withdraws its measures.