Trump threatens to cut trade with EU if Canada association proposal is ‘at all a hostile act’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs or cut trade with the European Union if it considers Canada's proposed associate membership a "hostile act". According to Trump, the idea of Canada joining the EU is "laughable".

The proposal was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the EU is opening the door for Canada to become its first associate member. This move comes as Canada and the EU seek to strengthen ties with each other, amid strained relationships with the US.

Trump told reporters that if the EU's intention is good, then it's fine, but if it's a bad intention, the US will impose "very heavy tariffs" on Europe. The National Post also reported that Trump said "If it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe, which is a possibility".

Brief written by urgent.news from National Post, DW English (Top Stories), Malay Mail, The Times of Israel, CNBC World — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.