Trump says Canada becoming EU ‘associate member’ could be ‘hostile act’
The US president threatened heavy tariffs and said the US could cut some trade with Europe over the proposed status.
United States President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with new tariffs over its proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first “associate member”, suggesting the move could be considered hostile to the US.
Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Trump said his response would depend on what European leaders were trying to achieve.
“If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs,” Trump said. He also suggested the US could stop trading with Europe “on many things”.
The status does not currently exist under EU treaties, and von der Leyen did not spell out what rights or obligations would come with it. Any proposal would also need the backing of EU member states.