Trump Calls Canadian Leaders "Clowns," Threatens New Sanctions

US President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with new, as-yet-unspecified tough measures unless the country's leadership starts "playing by the rules." In a lengthy post on his social media platform, he called the leaders of the neighboring country clowns whom "someone should line up."

The trigger was a statement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who said he was ready to cut off electricity and key mineral exports to the US if the trade dispute between the two countries escalates. Trump himself had already threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian car and auto parts imports to 50 percent starting in January.

Accusations against Carney and Ford

"Without the United States, Canada could not survive — that's where all its money comes from, and because of the current poor leadership, especially Governor Carney and his flunky Ford, they will no longer be allowed to take advantage of the United States," Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Doug Ford responded to Canadian media, according to CBC, saying Trump was acting like an "arrogant bully" who "can kiss it." He also added that former Republican President Ronald Reagan would be sickened by Trump's current trade policy.

$20 Billion in Tariffs

Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed late last week, and on Saturday Washington imposed a 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods worth a total of $20 billion. According to Carney, Canada will introduce retaliatory tariffs of an equivalent amount starting September 8.

On Sunday, Carney said Canada had effectively found itself in a trade war with the US, having come under "attack." On Monday, the prime minister added that Ottawa would not agree to a trade deal with Washington at any cost, though a mutually beneficial agreement remains possible. According to Reuters, Canada will return to the negotiating table only once the US adopts a reasonable stance toward Canadian industry.

Shortly before Trump's latest post, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the president wants Canada to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. Trump himself had previously written on social media that the United States does not need Canada.

Source: seznamzpravy.cz