Fresh US-Canada showdown looms as Trump makes new threat
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US President Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian goods, saying the extra charges could help cover the costs caused by wildfire smoke drifting into the United States. Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada and parts of northern Minnesota has spread into several US states, leading to poor air quality and health concerns for millions of people. According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, there were 937 active wildfires across Canada as of Saturday, with many still out of control. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of not properly managing its forests. He described the recurring wildfire problem as an issue of "willful negligence" and claimed it costs the United States billions of dollars every year. The US president said the economic impact of the smoke pollution should be factored into tariffs placed on Canadian imports. He also criticized Canada's forest management practices, alleging that authorities have failed to carry out adequate forest maintenance and clear debris that could fuel fires. Trump said he intends to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the issue and seek details on the measures Canada is taking to address the wildfires. Reacting to Trump's comments, Canada's Emergency Management Minister, Eleanor Olszewski, said both countries continue to work closely together in responding to wildfire emergencies. She added that Canada has invested about $12 billion in forest sustainability and wildfire prevention programmes since 2020. The smoke has continued to affect air quality in several major US cities. Air quality monitoring platform IQAir ranked Detroit as the most polluted city in the world on Friday, while Washington, D.C., and Chicago also recorded unhealthy pollution levels
US President Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian goods, saying the extra charges could help cover the costs caused by wildfire smoke drifting into the United States.
Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada and parts of northern Minnesota has spread into several US states, leading to poor air quality and health concerns for millions of people.
According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, there were 937 active wildfires across Canada as of Saturday, with many still out of control.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of not properly managing its forests. He described the recurring wildfire problem as an issue of “willful negligence” and claimed it costs the United States billions of dollars every year.
The US president said the economic impact of the smoke pollution should be factored into tariffs placed on Canadian imports. He also criticized Canada’s forest management practices, alleging that authorities have failed to carry out adequate forest maintenance and clear debris that could fuel fires.
Trump said he intends to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the issue and seek details on the measures Canada is taking to address the wildfires.
Reacting to Trump’s comments, Canada’s Emergency Management Minister, Eleanor Olszewski, said both countries continue to work closely together in responding to wildfire emergencies. She added that Canada has invested about $12 billion in forest sustainability and wildfire prevention programmes since 2020.
The smoke has continued to affect air quality in several major US cities. Air quality monitoring platform IQAir ranked Detroit as the most polluted city in the world on Friday, while Washington, D.C., and Chicago also recorded unhealthy pollution levels.
Health officials have advised residents in affected areas to reduce outdoor activities and take precautions to protect themselves from the poor air quality.
The wildfire smoke has also raised concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, which is scheduled to be played in an open-air stadium in New Jersey.
Authorities in New Jersey and New York reported that air quality had improved slightly compared to Thursday, when thick smoke reduced visibility across parts of Manhattan. However, the National Weather Service warned that smoke levels could rise again overnight.
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, said organisers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of players, officials and fans.
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