Trudeau Slams ‘Dumb’ Trump Trade War as Canada Strikes Back with Tariffs

• Mar 5, 2025

Canada’s Prime Minister Accuses US President of Seeking to Undermine Canadian Economy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned what he calls a “dumb” trade war initiated by former US President Donald Trump, accusing him of attempting to bring about the “complete collapse” of Canada’s economy to facilitate US annexation.

Trudeau’s comments came just hours after the US imposed steep tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, including a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% levy on Canadian energy exports. In response, Trudeau announced a series of retaliatory tariffs targeting US exports, vowing that Canada would stand firm against economic aggression.

“We’ve faced difficult times before, but we have always emerged stronger,” Trudeau declared. “When it comes to defending our great nation, there is no price we are unwilling to pay. Today is no different.”

As he prepares to step down as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, Trudeau warned that this trade dispute between close allies plays into the hands of adversaries. “The United States has chosen to launch a trade war against Canada,” he said, noting that at the same time, the Trump administration was “prioritizing positive relations with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, and aligning with a murderous dictator.”

Rejecting Trump’s taunts that Canada should surrender its sovereignty and join the US, Trudeau was unequivocal: “That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”

Canada’s Retaliatory Measures

Canada’s response includes tariffs on C$155 billion (US$107 billion) worth of American goods. The first round of levies, covering C$30 billion in US products, takes effect immediately, while an additional C$125 billion in tariffs will be introduced within 21 days to allow businesses to adjust supply chains.

Trudeau also took direct aim at American citizens, warning them of the consequences of their government’s actions. “We don’t want to see you suffer, but your administration has made this choice for you. As of this morning, markets are down, and inflation is expected to rise sharply across the United States. Your government has decided to put American jobs at risk in thousands of workplaces that depend on Canadian materials or Canadian consumers.”

He continued, “Americans will lose jobs. Prices for groceries, gas, cars, and homes will increase.”

Addressing Trump directly, Trudeau added, “Even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”

Trump justified the tariffs by accusing Canada of failing to curb fentanyl smuggling into the US—a claim Trudeau dismissed as “completely bogus, unjustified, and false.” US government reports indicate that Canada plays a negligible role in fentanyl trafficking.

Trump later escalated tensions by warning that any Canadian retaliatory tariffs would provoke further measures from the US.

Domestic Response and Provincial Actions

Trump’s aggressive trade tactics have sparked a wave of patriotism across Canada, with political leaders from various provinces uniting in opposition.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who leads Canada’s most economically powerful province, vowed to make Americans “feel pain.” Ford, re-elected on a promise to fight US tariffs, announced a 25% export tax on electricity supplied to three US states if American tariffs persist. Ontario has also removed American spirits and wines from store shelves, blocked US companies from bidding on government contracts, and terminated a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink company.

“I hate that we have to do this,” Ford said, citing his strong relationships with American governors. “But the White House needs to hear us loud and clear. The stock market will go downhill faster than the American bobsled team. When the market drops, that’s the people speaking. Isn’t this a shame?”

Quebec Premier François Legault warned that up to 160,000 jobs in his province could be lost in the coming months if the tariffs persist. “Trump needs to pay the price for these senseless decisions that harm both Americans and Canadians,” Legault said in an interview.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston described Trump as a “shortsighted man” who uses his power irresponsibly. He said the trade war has caused “impossible levels of uncertainty and chaos” for Canadians.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, provincial liquor stores were ordered to remove all American products. Outgoing Premier Andrew Furey urged Canadians to buy local. “Now, more than ever, we should be supporting Canadian-made products,” he said.

Even Alberta’s right-wing populist Premier Danielle Smith, who had previously resisted calls to cut oil exports to the US, criticized Trump’s move. She described the tariffs as an “unjustifiable economic attack” on Canada and a failure on every front.

“If the American government is willing to do this to its closest ally, then every country should be worried about a trade war,” Smith warned.

The longer these tariffs remain in place—and if they escalate further—the economic consequences for Canada could be devastating. The stakes are high, and the tensions between these two allies have never been more pronounced.