Washington: US President Donald Trump has blamed Canada for the wildfire smoke affecting large parts of the Midwestern and eastern United States, accusing Ottawa of failing to manage its forests adequately and warning that the economic cost of the pollution could be added to tariffs already imposed on Canadian goods.
Trump made the remarks in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, as air quality alerts remained in effect across large parts of the United States due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires.
Trump criticises Canada’s forest management
In his post, Trump said the United States was being “unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air” from Canadian wildfires.
Describing the worsening air quality as “dangerous” and “totally unacceptable,” he said he intended to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the recurring issue.
Trump alleged that Canada was not properly maintaining its forests and brush, holding the country responsible for the smoke affecting millions of Americans.
Warns of adding costs to tariffs
The US President further described the wildfire smoke as a result of what he termed “willful negligence.”
He claimed the annual smoke episodes were costing the United States billions of dollars and warned that the financial impact “must of necessity be added” to the tariffs already being paid by Canada.
The comments add a new dimension to the ongoing trade tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Millions affected by poor air quality
Trump’s remarks came as more than 100 million people across 18 US states and the District of Columbia were placed under air quality alerts because of smoke from Canadian wildfires.
According to US authorities, “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air conditions extended from northeast Minnesota to southeast Virginia, with residents in several regions advised to limit outdoor activities.
Wildfire smoke has become a recurring concern in North America during recent summers, with changing weather conditions often carrying smoke across the US-Canada border.
Trade tensions continue
The latest comments come amid broader trade disputes between Washington and Ottawa.
Following a recent US Supreme Court ruling that restricted President Trump’s ability to impose tariffs using emergency powers, the administration has been exploring alternative legal mechanisms that require formal investigations and public consultation before additional tariffs can be introduced.
Although the ruling has slowed the tariff process, the White House has maintained that it remains committed to restoring tariff levels seen earlier this year.
Canada remains under trade pressure
Canada has frequently been the target of Trump’s criticism on trade-related issues.
The US President has repeatedly accused Canada of unfair lumber trade practices and of harming American manufacturing jobs, particularly in the automobile sector.
While many Canadian exports continue to receive protection under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiated during Trump’s first term, the administration earlier this month declined to renew the trade agreement in its existing form, creating fresh uncertainty over future trade relations between the two countries.
The latest dispute over wildfire smoke is expected to add further strain to the already sensitive relationship between Washington and Ottawa.
