Trudeau and Trump Escalate Tariff Dispute

The trade conflict between the U.S. and Canada has intensified with President Donald Trump imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting a retaliatory response from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau announced immediate 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports, with plans to extend to $155 billion if necessary, criticizing Trump's tariffs as 'dumb' and unjustified. Trump, on his Truth Social account, mocked Trudeau by referring to him as 'Governor Trudeau' and hinted at further tariffs if Canada continued its retaliatory actions. The tariffs have caused significant market instability, with concerns of a potential recession in Canada and inflation in the U.S. Trudeau emphasized Canada's resilience and refusal to become the '51st state' of the U.S., while accusing Trump of attempting to destabilize the Canadian economy. The conflict reflects broader tensions as the U.S. also imposes tariffs on Mexico and China, citing failed efforts to control fentanyl trafficking, which Canada and Mexico dispute.