‘Well-known evil empire’: Barack Obama mocks President Trump’s tariff war with Canada

Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods during a campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan ahead of the upcoming U.S. mid-term elections. Obama likened Canada to a "well-known evil empire" while jokingly referencing Martin Short and maple syrup, the country's most famous exports. The ex-president accused Trump of upsetting Canadians and of suggesting the country could become the 51st state in the U.S. He highlighted the negative effects of the tariffs on Michigan, where the auto industry's supply chains are heavily reliant on Canada.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney implemented dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs in September following Trump's imposition of a 50% tariff on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods. Trump stated he plans to lift some of those tariffs by the end of the month, while simultaneously adding tariffs to numerous new products, including Canadian garbage and sewage.