Trump calls Canada "one of the worst countries" for negotiation amid tariff escalation
Trump told Glen Beck he considers Canada difficult to negotiate with and referenced new U.S. tariffs and a $60 billion trade deficit.
President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Canada in a broadcast interview, calling the northern neighbour "one of the 'worst countries in the world for cooperation and negotiation'."
Speaking with political commentator Glen Beck, Trump accused Ottawa of taking advantage of the United States for decades, saying it has imposed "incredible" tariffs and pointing to an annual trade deficit of $60 billion as proof that Canada must be shown it can no longer act that way.
Trump added that Washington does not depend on Canadian resources and said that, before the recent breakdown in talks, he had offered Ottawa "a 'pretty good deal'."
Tariff escalation and retaliatory measures
The comments come amid a sharp rise in bilateral trade tensions. On August 22 the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, and announced an additional 50 percent duty on the automotive sector and steel effective January 1.
In response, Canada announced counter-tariffs of 15 to 50 percent on $20 billion of U.S. imports, scheduled to take effect on September 8.
The verbal attack underscores the growing strain between the two neighbours as tariffs announced by both sides are set to be implemented in the coming months.
Photo: press material from the event
