Trump calls EU offer to Canada of associate membership ‘laughable’, while threatening tariffs
President Donald Trump has labeled the European Union's offer of associate membership to Canada as "laughable" and a "hostile act." Trump warned the EU of "very heavy tariffs" and threatened to stop trading with the bloc if the membership plan was pursued with "bad intentions." Canada has welcomed the EU's ambition for closer ties, with the Prime Minister stating that such links would make Canada a more "effective partner" of the US and asserting that no one will dictate whom his country strikes agreements with.
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- ✓ Donald Trump called the EU offer of associate membership to Canada "laughable".
- ✓ Trump threatened the EU with "very heavy tariffs".
- ✓ Trump described the EU-Canada alliance proposal as a "hostile act".
- ✓ Canada has welcomed the EU's ambition for it to become an associate member.
What changed
President Trump explicitly threatened the EU with heavy tariffs and trade cuts in response to the associate membership proposal.
Live updates
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Trump threatens EU with tariffs over Canada associate membership offer
President Donald Trump has labeled the European Union's offer of associate membership to Canada as "laughable" and a "hostile act." Trump warned the EU of "very heavy tariffs" and threatened to stop trading with the bloc if the membership plan was pursued with "bad intentions." Canada has welcomed the EU's ambition for closer ties, with the Prime Minister stating that such links would make Canada a more "effective partner" of the US and asserting that no one will dictate whom his country strikes agreements with.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to create a deep strategic alliance between Canada and the EU. This development follows efforts by Mark Carney to diversify Canada's defense ties and move closer to Europe.
What is confirmed
- Donald Trump called the EU offer of associate membership to Canada "laughable".
- Trump threatened the EU with "very heavy tariffs".
- Trump described the EU-Canada alliance proposal as a "hostile act".
- Canada has welcomed the EU's ambition for it to become an associate member.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump previously wanted Canada to become the 51st US state.
- Mark Carney is seeking to diversify Canada's defense ties.
What to watch next
- Official EU response to the tariff threats
- Formalization of the associate membership terms
- Details on specific US trade restrictions against the EU
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- The New York Times — Trump Wanted Canada as the 51st State. He Ended Up Pushing It Toward the European Union.
- The Washington Post — Opinion | Canada’s great European misadventure
- The Guardian — Trump calls EU offer to Canada of associate membership ‘laughable’, while threatening tariffs
- NDTV — 'Hostile Act': Trump Threatens To Cut EU Trade Over Canada Membership Plan
- Fox Business — Trump calls Canada's potential EU associate membership 'laughable,' warns Europe of 'very heavy tariffs'
- www.theguardian.com — Trump calls EU's offer of associate membership to Canada 'laughable' – video
- www.theguardian.com — Trump threatens to stop trading with EU over ‘laughable’ membership offer to Canada
- www.theweek.in — Trump calls EU-Canada alliance ‘hostile act’, threatens ‘very heavy tariffs’
- www.bbc.co.uk — Canada welcomes EU ambition for it to become 'associate member', Carney tells European Parliament
- www.idahostatejournal.com — The Latest: Federal judge orders Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice of any building changes
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