14 hours ago
Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 00:28 IST
US President Donald Trump said PM Justin Trudeau called him to "ask what could be done about tariffs" but was unable to tell him when the Canadian election is taking place
US President Donald Trump's reaction came after a 50-minute phone call with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, amid the fallout from the imposition of tariffs by the US on its northern neighbour. (Image: Reuters/File)
American President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of playing up a trade war between the two countries to cling to power.
Trump’s reaction came after a “somewhat friendly" 50-minute phone call with Trudeau, amid the fallout from the imposition of tariffs by the US on its northern neighbour. He said the Prime Minister called him to “ask what could be done about tariffs".
He further said Trudeau, however, was unable to tell him when the Canadian election is taking place and that is when he realised “he is trying to use this issue to stay in power". Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January, is to step down after a Liberal party leadership contest this weekend which will choose his replacement.
“Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped. He said that it’s gotten better, but I said, “That’s not good enough." The call ended in a “somewhat" friendly manner! He was unable to tell me when the Canadian Election is taking place, which made me curious, like, what’s going on here? I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power. Good luck Justin!" he wrote on Truth Social.
According to a report by news agency AFP, a Canadian source directly familiar with the conversation said Trump and Trudeau spoke for about 50 minutes and discussed fentanyl smuggling as well as trade. Teams from both nations will continue to hold discussions on Wednesday, said the source, who did not give details. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Vice President JD Vance were also on the call, the source added.
In another social media post after the phone call, Trump also said Canada’s moves to stop fentanyl trafficking are “not good enough". Trudeau has repeatedly said less than 1 percent of the fentanyl and undocumented migrants that enter the US come through the Canadian border, although Trump has dismissed the figure.
(With agency inputs)
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:March 06, 2025, 00:18 IST
News world 'Good Luck Justin': Trump Accuses Canada's Trudeau Of Using Tariffs Dispute To 'Stay In Power'
