President Donald Trump has thrown a punch at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, giving him a new nickname as tensions between the two leaders rise.
It’s been quite the week for the president.
Following his heated public disagreement with President Zelenskyy, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, banning gender transitions for those under 19, and putting an end to birthright citizenship, Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico have stirred significant controversy.
And now, the 78-year-old Republican is back with another strike against his North American neighbor.
Trump’s tariffs have created waves (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
As of this week (February 4), imports from Canada are now subject to a 25% tariff, while Canadian energy products are taxed at 10% under his latest executive order.
When Trump first announced his tariffs, the White House stated that the president was taking “bold action” to hold these countries accountable for failing to stop illegal immigration and the flow of harmful drugs, like fentanyl, into the U.S.
In retaliation, Trudeau announced that Canada would impose a 25% tariff on U.S. imports.
Though the back-and-forth between the two countries seemed civil at first, the tone shifted when Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform.
Here, he gave Trudeau a new nickname that many saw as a direct jab at his authority.
Trudeau retaliated with matching tariffs (ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump’s New Nickname for Trudeau
Trump wrote: “Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a retaliatory tariff on the U.S., our reciprocal tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!”
By calling him “Governor” instead of “Prime Minister,” Trump appeared to undermine Trudeau’s position as Canada’s leader.
In a previous statement, Trudeau voiced his frustration with the tariffs, saying, as reported by AP News, “Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend.”
He also criticized the U.S. for trying to work with Russia, calling out President Putin as “a lying, murderous dictator” and asking, “Make that make sense.”
Trudeau continued by directly addressing Trump: “It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”
The Canadian Prime Minister then added, “There is absolutely no justification or need whatsoever for these tariffs today,” and accused Trump of trying to “collapse the Canadian economy” to make it easier for the U.S. to annex Canada.
China’s Response to Trump’s Tariffs
China, which also faced a 20% tariff on imports, responded with a stern warning.
“China opposes this move and will do what is necessary to firmly safeguard its legitimate interests,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
“If the United States persists in waging a tariff war, a trade war, or any other kind of war, the Chinese side will fight them to the bitter end,” he added.
China’s finance ministry also stated that the U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase undermines the multilateral trading system, increases the burden on U.S. companies and consumers, and harms the foundation of economic and trade relations between China and the U.S.