Washington, D.C.: President Donald Trump has accused Justin Trudeau of leveraging the tariff issue with the United States to campaign for re-election as Prime Minister, despite what he described as Trudeau's poor performance for Canada.
Trump asserted that Trudeau is exploiting the 'tariff issue' for his political gain, claiming that the Canadian leader is largely responsible for its existence.
"Believe it or not, despite the dismal job he's done for Canada, I believe Justin Trudeau is using the tariff issue, which he has significantly contributed to, to run for Prime Minister again. It's quite entertaining to observe!" Trump remarked in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday.
It is important to note that the U.S. has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, accusing Trudeau of failing to adequately address the influx of the synthetic drug fentanyl into the United States. In response, Trudeau enacted retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports of equal value.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump, who referred to Trudeau as the 'Governor' of Canada, mentioned that Trudeau had reached out to him regarding the tariff situation, and their conversation concluded on a "somewhat friendly note."
Trump further indicated that Trudeau was "unable" to inform him about the timing of the Canadian election.
"Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to discuss what could be done about tariffs. I informed him that many lives have been lost due to fentanyl that has crossed the borders from Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that the situation has improved. He claimed it has gotten better, but I responded, 'That's not sufficient.' The call ended on a 'somewhat' friendly note! He couldn't tell me when the Canadian election is scheduled, which piqued my curiosity about what is happening. I then realized he is attempting to use this issue to maintain his position. Good luck, Justin!" Trump stated on Truth Social.
Trump also mentioned that he told the Canadian Prime Minister that the significant amounts of fentanyl and "illegal aliens" entering the United States are a result of Trudeau's "weak border policies."
I informed Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada that his lenient border policies have significantly contributed to the issues we face, as they have facilitated the influx of substantial quantities of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States. These policies have been a factor in the tragic loss of many lives, Trump stated.
