Trump suggests EU allowing Canada as associate member could be a ‘hostile act’
- On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, President Donald Trump threatened to impose heavy tariffs or halt trade with the European Union if it grants Canada associate membership, warning the move could be a "hostile act."
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the status during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg, France, arguing new partnerships are needed in "an openly hostile world."
- During a campaign stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump dismissed the prospect as "laughable" and labeled Canada a "terrible trade partner," though he conditioned his retaliation on European leaders' "intention."
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously walked away from a "bad deal," leaving reciprocal tariffs of 15% to 50% on roughly $20 billion in goods already in effect."
- The administration's stance remains fluid pending further diplomatic interpretation, leaving stakeholders to account for the potential of broad trade restrictions as the European Commission advances its integration proposal.
531 Articles
531 Articles
Trump Says Allowing Canada Into EU Could Be ‘Hostile Act’
“President Trump said Wednesday that allowing Canada to become an associate member of the European Union could be a ‘hostile act’ and threatened additional tariffs on European countries,” the Wall Street Journal reports. CNBC: Trump threatens EU with tariffs over Canada associate-membership proposal.
Donald Trump once again raises the level of trade confrontation with Europe. The American president has threatened new and heavy duties on European products, reaching to evoke even a...
The dispute between Washington and Ottawa has broken down, but the US President says that the neighbouring country could become an associate member of the European Union "sacrifices – but takes it seriously.
The ‘special relationship to be created between the European Union and Canada could not be indifferent to the President of the United States. He responded with new threats. The Canadian Prime Minister will address the European Parliament at the end of this morning. Australia and New Zealand can follow Canada's steps.
Trembe threatened to charge or stop trade with Europe because of a proposal for a partnership with Canada, while the European Commission stressed that strengthening relations with Ottawa "was not directed against anyone."
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