Canada Responds to Trump’s Tariff Threats and Insults, Says Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly sat down with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour to address growing tensions between Canada and the United States, particularly in response to former President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats and verbal attacks on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

During the interview, Joly emphasized Canada’s commitment to defending its economic interests while maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the U.S. She reaffirmed that Canada would not hesitate to take countermeasures if Trump were to reintroduce tariffs on Canadian goods, particularly in key industries like steel and aluminum.

Beyond trade disputes, Joly also responded to Trump’s repeated criticisms of Prime Minister Trudeau, calling them “unconstructive” and emphasizing that Canada remains focused on collaboration rather than political rhetoric. She highlighted the importance of a stable U.S.-Canada relationship, especially as both countries navigate global economic uncertainties and security challenges.

With Trump emerging as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Canada is preparing for potential shifts in policy that could impact trade and diplomacy between the two nations. Joly made it clear that Canada is ready to defend its interests while continuing to seek common ground with its largest trading partner.

As tensions simmer, all eyes will be on how the U.S.-Canada relationship evolves in the coming months.