Trump Threatens Sweeping Tariffs on Canada Over China Ties, Sparks Fresh War of Words

US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Canada by issuing a stark warning over its growing economic engagement with China, threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods entering the United States if Ottawa proceeds with deeper trade cooperation with Beijing.

In a strongly worded post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that any agreement between Canada and China would be met with immediate and severe economic retaliation.

He alleged that such a move would turn Canada into a conduit for Chinese exports entering the American market.

Continuing his provocative rhetoric, Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor Carney,” reviving a taunt previously used against former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to suggest that Canada functions as a subordinate extension of the United States.

“If Governor Carney believes he can turn Canada into a ‘drop-off port’ for Chinese goods destined for the U.S., he is badly mistaken,”

Trump wrote, referring to what he described as a landmark trade understanding between Canada and China.

Trump also criticised Canada’s reported opposition to the proposed “Golden Dome” defence project over Greenland, claiming the initiative would enhance Canadian security as well.

He accused Ottawa of rejecting a crucial defence partnership with Washington while choosing instead to expand economic ties with Beijing.

According to Trump, this decision would leave Canada strategically vulnerable, warning that China would “eat them up” within a year.

Diplomatic Strain Deepens After Davos Remarks

Trump’s latest outburst comes amid steadily worsening relations between the United States and Canada, particularly following recent comments by Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Speaking earlier this week at the 56th annual WEF summit, Carney cautioned against rising economic and strategic pressure from major global powers.

He described the current international order as undergoing a “rupture,” marked by intensifying great-power competition and the weakening of the long-standing rules-based system led by the United States.

Trump responded sharply on Wednesday, criticising Carney by name and asserting that Canada should show greater appreciation for what he characterised as American generosity.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said, adding a pointed warning: “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

Carney Pushes Back

Carney responded the following day, firmly rejecting Trump’s assertion. He said Canada’s strength does not derive from dependence on the United States but from its own national character and values.

“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States,” Carney said. “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

Since entering Canadian politics in 2025, Carney has repeatedly argued that global politics will not return to a pre-Trump status quo.

He reiterated this view earlier this week in a separate address that avoided naming Trump directly but outlined the enduring impact of his presidency on international relations.

As rhetoric hardens on both sides, Trump’s tariff threat and sharp language have added a new layer of uncertainty to US–Canada relations, raising concerns about trade stability, defence cooperation, and the future balance between economic pragmatism and strategic alignment.

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