Trump Blames Trudeau For US Tariffs, Says Canada Stuck In Trade War: 'Believe It Or Not...'

US President Donald Trump escalated his verbal clash with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, blaming him for the recent 25 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Canadian imports.

Trump accused Trudeau of using the tariff dispute as a political strategy to secure re-election.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

"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 TruthSocial.

The Trump administration introduced the 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, alleging that Trudeau had failed to take adequate measures to curb the flow of the synthetic drug fentanyl into the US. The tariff, which came into effect on Tuesday, threatens to disrupt nearly $2.2 trillion in annual trade between the two nations.

In response, Trudeau imposed retaliatory tariffs of 25 per cent on $20.82 billion worth of US imports and warned of further countermeasures. Canada has also sought consultations with the US through the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Speaking earlier today, Trudeau stated that Canada would likely remain in a trade war with its largest trading partner for the foreseeable future. He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with senior officials in the Trump administration to seek the removal of the tariffs.

"I can confirm that we will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future," Trudeau said, a day after what he described as a "colourful" phone call with President Trump.

However, just a day after the tariffs took effect, Trump announced a one-month exemption for US automakers. Meanwhile, Canadian officials asserted that Trudeau remains unwilling to lift Canada's retaliatory tariffs unless Trump fully removes tariffs on Canadian imports.