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.
243 Articles
243 Articles
U.S. President Donald Trump calls the plans of an "associated membership" Canada "laughing."
US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to cut off trade with the European Union (EU) after the latter proposed making Canada its first associate member.
DONALD Trump has threatened the EU with high tariffs if it admits Canada as an associate member. The proposal was presented by Ursula von der Leyen, but Canada and other EU members are cautious.
Trump threatens Europe with heavy tariffs over Canada-EU ties, calls move a possible 'hostile act'
Donald Trump has warned that the European Union could face very heavy tariffs if he considers its proposed partnership with Canada a hostile act. The threat follows Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to make Canada the EU's first associate member.
The US President said he was ready to stop "any business with Europe" in retaliation for the adapted integration of Canada into the EU proposed by Ursula von der Leyen.
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