Trudeau Makes Emotional Pitch Before Announcing Tariffs On US: 'We Fought And Died With You'

Hours after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on almost all imports from Canada, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that he had no choice but to implement countermeasures.

In a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau addressed Americans directly, referencing the shared history and longstanding security and military alliances between the two neighbouring countries.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

"From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of the Korean peninsula, from the fields of Flanders to the streets of Kandahar, we have fought and died alongside you during your darkest hours," Trudeau said.

"Yes, we've had our differences in the past, but we've always found a way to get past them. As I've said before, if President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us."

Trudeau stated that while his government does not wish to escalate the situation, it will stand up for Canadians and their jobs.

"We are certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs," said Trudeau, who had earlier announced he would step down once his party elects a new leader.

Trudeau acknowledged that the coming weeks would be challenging not only for Canadians but also for Americans, who, he said, would suffer due to Trump's actions.

"Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities," Trudeau warned US citizens.

"They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store and petrol at the pump."

Trump's tariffs

US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico, and China, citing a "major threat" from illegal immigration and drugs.

Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China.

The White House stated that the tariffs would remain in place "until the crisis is alleviated." However, officials did not provide details on the steps the three countries need to take to be exempted from Trump's tariff orders.