Washington: President Donald Trump suggested that the European Union allowing Canada to become an associate member could be a “hostile act” and threatened to respond to the proposed move by imposing more tariffs on the bloc.
Trump conditioned his threat Wednesday on the “intention” of European leaders, saying that, “If it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.” He also suggested the US could cut off trade with Europe in certain areas.
Trump called the prospect of Canada joining the EU “laughable” and called America's neighbor a “terrible trade partner.”
His comments came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU's first "associate member," while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa was seeking a "unique alliance" with the bloc, not membership.