Former President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada, citing the severe wildfire smoke that has led to hazardous air quality across numerous U.S. states. Trump wrote on social media that Canada is responsible for failing to properly manage its forests and debris, a situation he described as "willful negligence."
"The United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!" Trump stated. He indicated his intention to contact the Canadian Prime Minister to discuss the issue and the potential cost, which he described as "incalculable."
Trump asserted that Canada's refusal to engage in basic forest management and debris removal has resulted in this outcome, which he characterized as a yearly occurrence costing the United States billions of dollars. He argued that these costs must be added to the tariffs Canada is currently paying.
Legislation has been proposed by Rep. John James (R-Mich.) and Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) that would specify a 25% fee on imports from Canada. The hazardous air quality, stemming from wildfires in Canada, has affected regions from Minnesota to North Carolina, creating visible smog and health concerns in affected U.S. cities.