'America starts a trade war with its closest ally and friend'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the U.S. for initiating a trade war with its ally while actively working with Russia.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the new US tariffs on March 4th as "absurd," according to AP. Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau expressed anger, saying the US had started a trade war against Canada, his "closest ally and partner, his closest friend, while they are talking about working actively with Russia."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference in Ottawa on March 4th regarding the US tariffs.

Earlier that day, the US began imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy products subject to a 10% tariff. Canada immediately retaliated with a 25% tariff on over $100 billion worth of goods imported from the US. Mexico will announce its retaliatory measures later this week.

"What he (President Donald Trump) wants to see is the complete collapse of the Canadian economy because that would make it easier to integrate us. That will never happen. We will never become their 51st state," Trudeau declared, referring to Trump's previous statements about turning Canada into a US state.

Earlier, Trump posted a warning to Trudeau on the social media platform Truth Social, referring to the neighboring country's leader as "governor" instead of prime minister. "Please explain to Governor Trudeau of Canada that when he imposes retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., our retaliatory tariffs will immediately increase to a similar level," Trump wrote.

Meanwhile, at the press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed the US President by his first name instead of his last name. "I want to speak directly to a specific American, Mr. Donald. I don't usually agree with the Wall Street Journal , but Donald, they've pointed out that even if he's a very intelligent person, this is a very silly thing to do," Trudeau said regarding the tariffs.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later revealed that the US could negotiate with Canada and Mexico and potentially announce an agreement as early as March 5th. Lutnick told Fox Business News that the tariffs would not be suspended, but that President Trump would reach a compromise. "I think he'll find a way. You guys do more, and I'll meet with you in between in some way," the secretary said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-tuong-canada-my-khoi-dong-thuong-chien-with-dong-minh-and-nguoi-ban-gan-gui-nhat-185250305075756593.htm