Trump’s remarks came after he paused sweeping tariffs on Canada following market turmoil. Meanwhile, Trudeau will step down as Canadian PM after a Liberal party leadership race on March 9. Read More World News
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Last Updated:March 07, 2025, 07:56 IST
Trump’s remarks came after he paused sweeping tariffs on Canada following market turmoil. Meanwhile, Trudeau will step down as Canadian PM after a Liberal party leadership race on March 9.
Relations between the US and Canada have nosedived after Trump’s announcement of tariffs. (Reuters File Image)
As US-Canada tensions rise over trade, US President Donald Trump on Thursday once again accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff dispute, “which he largely caused”, to “run again for Prime Minister”.
“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 his Truth Social platform.
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This came after Trump delayed some tariffs targeting Canada, leading Ottawa to halt a second wave of sweeping tariffs on American products. However, Canada’s first wave of C$30 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on American products will remain in place.
Trump and Trudeau spoke on a 50-minute phone call on Wednesday, which was described as heated by officials familiar with the conversation. After the phone call, Trump had claimed that Trudeau was “trying to use this issue to stay in power”.
ALSO READ: After Mexico Reprieve, US Pauses Canada Tariffs Amid Market Turmoil, Ottawa Responds
Trump-Trudeau Tensions On The Rise
Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January, is to step down after a Liberal party leadership contest this weekend which will choose his replacement. However, Trump said the outgoing PM was unable to tell him when the Canadian election was taking place and accused him of trying to extend his tenure.
“Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped. He said that it’s gotten better, but I said, “That’s not good enough.” The call ended in a “somewhat” friendly manner! He was unable to tell me when the Canadian Election is taking place, which made me curious, like, what’s going on here? I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power. Good luck Justin!” he wrote on Truth Social.
In another social media post after the phone call, Trump also said Canada’s moves to stop fentanyl trafficking are “not good enough”. Trudeau has repeatedly said less than 1 percent of the fentanyl and undocumented migrants that enter the US come through the Canadian border, although Trump has dismissed the figure.
According to the White House, Trump was “not pleased” after the phone call with Trudeau and demanded a stop to the flow of fentanyl across the northern border. “He said it’s not good enough. He told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that directly. The call ended in a somewhat friendly manner, as the president said. But he’s not going to stop standing up for the American people,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
‘Canada Will Remain In Trade War With US’: Trudeau
Meanwhile, Trudeau on Thursday said he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the “foreseeable future” after having what he called a colourful but constructive call with Trump this week.
Trudeau said the two sides discussed tariffs, and that they are “actively engaged in ongoing conversations in trying to make sure these tariffs don’t overly harm” certain sectors and workers. “Our goal remains to get these tariffs, all tariffs, removed,” he added.
In an emotional interaction with the press before stepping down as PM this week, Trudeau recounted some of challenges, including facing “ten years of Donald Trump”. He also warned Canadians of tough times ahead amid looming US tariffs.
(with inputs from agencies)
News world Trudeau Largely Caused Tariff Problem, Now Using It To Run Again For PM: Trump