Trump derides EU pitch to Canada as 'laughable', threatens more tariffs

US President Donald Trump has dismissed the European Union's suggestion to make Canada an associate member as "laughable," and threatened to impose severe tariffs if the EU proceeds with the plan. Speaking en route to an event in North Carolina, Trump stated that the proposal is "against anyone else," implying that it is a hostile act.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea during her annual State of the Union speech, aimed at strengthening ties among allies amidst geopolitical tensions. However, the proposal has faced skepticism from EU members and Canada, with some questioning its feasibility and the potential for it to limit EU autonomy.