Trump threatens EU over 'hostile' Canada association plan

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that he would impose significant tariffs or cease trade with the European Union if Canada were to become its first ever associate member. This proposal was made by the EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, just before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was scheduled to speak at the European Parliament.

The suggestion comes as both Canada and the EU attempt to distance themselves from an aggressive United States under Trump's administration. Trump dismissed the plan as "laughable" and stated that he would consider it a hostile act if it were true. He added that he would only consider it a positive gesture if it were sincere, but would not hesitate to impose heavy tariffs on European goods if he deemed the intention to be malicious.

Von der Leyen discussed the potential for increased collaboration on technology, defense, and energy during a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, noting that democracies are currently facing a fracture in the international rules-based order.