In a strong condemnation of the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has characterized the move as “a very dumb thing” that lacks justification. His remarks come as President Donald Trump launched a trade war against Canada, a nation often described as the U.S.’s closest ally.

Trudeau, addressing the media, expressed disbelief over the rationale behind the tariffs, which he argued would only serve to harm both American and Canadian families. “There is absolutely no justification or need whatsoever for these tariffs today,” Trudeau stated, urging the American public to recognize the detrimental consequences of this trade conflict. He emphasized the longstanding collaborative relationship between the two countries, noting, “We should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world.”

The tariffs, amounting to 25% on approximately $155 billion worth of American goods, will commence with an immediate levy on $30 billion in products, followed by additional tariffs on the remaining goods in three weeks. Trudeau reassured Canadians that despite the challenges ahead, the nation would unite to withstand the economic impact. “We will use every tool at our disposal so Canadian workers and businesses can weather this storm,” he said, acknowledging that the situation would be tough for many.

In his comments directed at Trump, Trudeau underscored the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship, reflecting on their previous successes. He also pointed out that the tariffs could lead to job losses and increased costs for American consumers. “Americans will be paying more for groceries, gas, cars, and homes,” he warned, highlighting the reciprocal nature of trade impacts.

Trudeau’s remarks also addressed the politicized nature of the tariffs, suggesting that they were not genuinely aimed at resolving issues related to fentanyl, the drug for which Trump has cited justification for the tariffs. He described the reasoning behind the tariffs as “completely bogus” and expressed hope that they were merely a negotiating tactic that could lead to dialogue.

Moreover, he remarked on the perception of vulnerability among U.S. allies, noting that if the American government could impose such measures on Canada, other nations might feel equally threatened. He has been actively engaging with international allies to reinforce cooperative strategies in response to global challenges, including the current geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, Trudeau’s impassioned defense of Canada’s position highlights the complexity of international trade relations and the potential fallout from escalating tariffs. As both nations navigate this turbulent period, the Canadian Prime Minister remains open to discussions with Trump, hoping to steer the relationship back toward cooperation and mutual benefit.