Trump Blasts Canada After Trade Talks Collapse: “They Want the Benefits of Being a State”

Trump fires back after negotiations collapse, as Canada vows dollar-for-dollar retaliation against new U.S. tariffs

President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Canada after trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa collapsed, accusing the Canadian government of wanting the benefits of being part of the United States without actually becoming a state.

In his first comments after the talks broke down Friday, Trump said Canada "wants the benefits of being a State, without being one."

The collapse triggered new 50% U.S. tariffs on a range of Canadian imports and pushed the two countries into an increasingly bitter trade confrontation.

Trump also accused Canada of imposing "massive amounts of Tariffs" on American farmers for years, arguing that the United States has been treated unfairly in the trading relationship.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney fired back, calling the new U.S. tariffs a "miscalculation" intended to "hurt and divide us."

Carney announced that Canada would respond with dollar-for-dollar tariffs beginning September 8, targeting products including steel, dairy, appliances and electronics.

"We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney said.

"You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked," he added.

Trump renews 51st-state push

Trump's latest comments echo his repeated suggestion since returning to the White House that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.

The idea has repeatedly angered Canadian political leaders, while Trump has continued using it as a negotiating pressure point.

The collapse of the talks now threatens one of the world's most deeply integrated trading relationships.

Both governments had expressed optimism earlier in the week that a deal could be reached, but negotiations unraveled after Washington and Ottawa accused each other of making last-minute changes.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Saturday that there were currently no plans to restart negotiations, although he said Washington had been prepared to reduce some tariffs as part of the proposed agreement.

Canada prepares retaliation

The latest U.S. tariffs will affect roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, representing about 5% of Canada's total exports to the United States.

Products affected include wine, dairy products, cement, clothing and hockey equipment, in addition to existing U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles and lumber.

Carney said Canada was retaliating reluctantly but insisted Ottawa had to protect its economic interests.

Canadian opposition leaders and several provincial premiers have backed the government's response, signaling broad political support for confronting Washington.

Carney rejected U.S. claims that Canada introduced new demands at the last minute, arguing that Ottawa had simply clarified what it was willing to accept.

"We clarified what was on offer and were continually disappointed by the answers," Carney said.