Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has issued a stark warning to the world about the United States under President Donald Trump, declaring that “nobody is safe” if the U.S. can target its closest ally, Canada, with aggressive trade policies and threats.
Speaking at the G7 Summit in Alberta, Joly expressed deep concern over Trump’s recent actions, including imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state.
She emphasized that Canada has done nothing to provoke these attacks and described the country as America’s “best friend, best neighbor, and best ally.”
Joly condemned Trump’s rhetoric, including his dismissive comments about the U.S.-Canada border being a “fictional line” and his repeated references to annexing Canada.
She made it clear that Canadians will not back down or give in to such coercion. Her remarks were echoed by Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who vowed that Canada “will not stand idly by” in the face of Trump’s actions.
The U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, which went into effect recently, have sparked a fierce response from Canada, which has imposed $20.7 billion in retaliatory tariffs on American goods. The European Union has also pushed back against the U.S. trade war, imposing tariffs on American industrial and agricultural products. Despite warnings from U.S.
Agriculture Secretary about a potential recession, Trump has continued to pursue aggressive trade policies, even threatening at one point to double the tariffs to 50%. However, he backed down after Ontario imposed electricity tariffs on the U.S.
In Canada, Trump’s actions have fueled resentment and led to grassroots movements, such as store owners and shoppers boycotting U.S.-made products. Some shop owners have removed American goods from their shelves as a symbolic act of defiance.
Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state have been met with strong opposition from Canadian officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called the idea a “non-starter” and criticized tariffs as a “very dumb thing to do.” Trudeau emphasized that Canada will continue to stand up for its sovereignty and interests.
Joly reiterated this stance in an interview with the BBC, stating that Trump’s comments are no longer a joke and that Canadians feel insulted, angry, and frustrated. She highlighted the growing anti-American sentiment in Canada, noting that even hockey fans have been booing the U.S. national anthem.
As the trade war escalates, Canada remains resolute in defending its economy, identity, and sovereignty, while sending a clear message to the world about the unpredictable nature of U.S. policies under Trump.
