Trump Threatens Tariffs on EU Over Canada Associate Membership Plan
Trump warned the EU of serious tariffs if it pursues von der Leyen's plan to make Canada its first associate member, calling the proposal 'laughable'.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could impose steep tariffs on the European Union, or halt trade in several areas, if Brussels proceeds with a plan to grant Canada associate membership of the bloc.
Speaking to reporters while travelling to an event in North Carolina, Trump described the proposal as "laughable" and said he would act if he judged the move to be hostile. "If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things," he said.
The US president added that the response would depend on the EU's intent. "If Europe does that with a bad intention, if it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe," he said.
The proposal was announced on Wednesday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her annual State of the Union speech. Canadian Prime Minister Mick Carney attended the address.
Von der Leyen framed the initiative as part of an effort to deepen ties among allies at a time she described as "an openly hostile world". Canada would become the EU's first associate member if the plan advances.