Topline
President-elect Donald Trump mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—referring to him as a governor and Canada as a state—in a post on his Truth Social platform early on Tuesday, after Trudeau warned that a tariff war between the two countries would end up raising prices for Americans.
President-elect Donald Trump appeared to mock the Canadian Prime Minister by calling him “Governor … [+]
Key Facts
Speaking at an event organized by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce on Monday, the Canadian prime minister said people in America were “beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive.”
While acknowledging Trump’s promised 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada would be “devastating” for his country’s economy, Trudeau added: “It would also, however, mean real hardship for Americans as well.”
The Canadian premier also said “as we did eight years ago,” his government would “respond to unfair tariffs,” a reference to duties slapped on some American imports in response to the first Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Trump appeared to respond to Trudeau’s remarks in a mocking Truth social post, saying: “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.”
Trump wrote he looks forward to “seeing the Governor again soon, so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Key Background
Last month, Trump announced he plans to impose 25% tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada as one of his first executive orders. In his post, Trump claimed, “a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border.” Trump said the tariffs would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
