Trudeau Sls Trump’s Tariffs as ‘Very Dumb; Vows Strong Canadian Retaliation
Trudeau Slams Trump’s Tariffs as ‘Very Dumb,’ Vows Strong Canadian Retaliation
Ottawa, Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has fiercely criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff impositions on Canadian imports, calling the move “very dumb” and harmful to both countries’ economies.
In response, Trudeau announced a series of countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, legal action through international trade organizations, and diplomatic pressure to resolve the escalating trade conflict.
Trump’s Tariff Decision Sparks Outrage
The dispute began when Trump, citing concerns over trade imbalances and national security, imposed a 25% tariff on key Canadian exports, including steel, aluminum, and automotive parts.
This decision, which echoes similar policies during his first term, has been met with widespread criticism from Canadian officials, business leaders, and even some U.S. industries that rely on Canadian materials.
During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau did not hold back in condemning Trump’s approach, arguing that such protectionist policies will ultimately hurt American consumers and businesses as much as they will affect Canada.
“This is a reckless and very dumb move that threatens jobs on both sides of the border,” Trudeau said.
“Instead of working with allies to strengthen trade relationships, Trump is choosing to create unnecessary economic pain.”
Canada Strikes Back with Tariffs and Legal Action
In response, Canada has announced immediate 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods, with plans to expand these measures to cover an additional $125 billion in the coming weeks. Key U.S.
products targeted include agricultural goods, machinery, and consumer electronics—industries that heavily depend on cross-border trade.
Beyond economic retaliation, Trudeau’s government is also taking legal action, filing complaints with both the World Trade Organization (WTO) and under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing that the tariffs violate international trade rules.
“This is not just about Canada; this is about standing up for fair trade and for the rules-based international order,” Trudeau stated. “We will not allow Canada to be bullied by reckless policies.”
Economic and Political Fallout
The trade dispute has sent shockwaves through financial markets, with the U.S. dollar hitting a three-month low and stock markets experiencing sharp declines.
Investors fear that escalating tensions between two of the world’s largest trading partners could lead to broader economic instability.
Economists warn that prolonged tariffs could lead to job losses in both countries, particularly in manufacturing sectors that rely on North American supply chains.
Some analysts have dubbed the situation a potential “Trumpcession,” referring to fears of an economic downturn triggered by aggressive trade policies.
What’s Next?
Despite the rising tensions, both Canadian and U.S. officials acknowledge the need for continued dialogue.
Some members of the U.S. Congress and business leaders are urging Trump to reconsider his approach, warning that alienating key allies like Canada could backfire politically and economically.
Trudeau remains firm in his stance, emphasizing that Canada will not back down. “We have always been a strong and reliable trading partner to the U.S.,” he said.
“But if this administration wants a trade war, they should know that Canada will defend its workers and industries with everything we have.”
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Washington and Ottawa to see whether diplomacy can prevail or if the Canada-U.S. trade war is set to escalate even further.