President Donald Trump sparked an angry backlash Wednesday after threatening to punish Europe if Canada forms a closer alliance with the European Union.
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Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump called the prospect of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member “laughable” and described the longtime U.S. ally as “a terrible trade partner.”
“And if they do that, if I think it’s a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things,” Trump said, adding that “very heavy tariffs” could follow the move.
“This is nuts,” wrote Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia.
Bloomberg White House correspondent Josh Wingrove questioned whether Trump understood the proposal.
“It… does not appear Trump has been particularly briefed on Canada’s ‘associate member’ status with the EU,” Wingrove posted on X.
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“Cutting off trade with our allies because they support our other allies?” the political commentator Angry Staffer told their half a million followers on X. “What a f—-ing buffoon.”
Author and political activist Don Winslow dismissed Trump’s comments as “empty threats.”
“He has destroyed the American economy in less than 2 years,” he added in a social media post.
Meanwhile, one Canadian critic asked: “Who is he gonna trade with? North Korea? He is alienating everyone.”
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“This guy is delusional,” concluded X user Lucas Sanders.
Trump threatens to cut off trade with Europe if Canada becomes an associate member of the EU. pic.twitter.com/cw5L68Vxrm
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2026
