Sen. Mark Wayne Marin (R-Okla.) on Tuesday called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “governor,” and the senator defended President Trump's tariffs on his north neighbours.
In an interview with CNN's “arena,” Marin suggested that tariffs are needed to stop “the flow of illegal activities across the southern border.”
“We want to have Gov. Trudeau work with us at the northern border and help us solve that issue,” Marin added. “We want to work with us in Mexico and solve that problem.”
CNN anchor Kasie Hunt forced Marine to use the title “Governor.”
“It was intentional, 100%,” Marin said. “It was 100% intentional.”
The interview comes as Trump's 25% tariffs in Canada come into effect and moves retaliation measures by nearby US allies.
In an interview, Marin acknowledged the economic distress that tariffs could bring his members, but said the country needs to be kept safe.
“This is not just about imposing tariffs because we want it. They allow illegal activities to flow from their own country into our country, we are asking them for help and they are not willing to help,” Marin said. “And this is President Trump's agenda. When he says he puts America first, this is part of it.”
“Now, will it hurt our home? Will it hurt our finances? Will it hurt our community? Yes, but we understand that we need to get America back on track and we have been able to stop criminal activity,” he added.
