Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolly on Thursday argued that President Trump's tariffs on Canada, the largest US trading partner, are merely an “excuse” for the administration's desire to ultimately annex the nation.
Trump's 25% tariff on Canada came into effect Tuesday, with the president claiming that American neighbors have not done enough to prevent fentanyl from moving across the US border.
Jolie challenged Trump's assessment of her country's border security, claiming that less than 1% of lethal drugs come from Canada.
“We're investing $1.3 billion worth of dollars in new border plans,” Jolie said. Her appearance on Thursday About CNN. “We have invested in more boots on the ground, Black Hawk helicopters, new Fentanyl Strike Force with Americans, and we also have a new Fentanyl Emperor.”
“But obviously, this is not a problem now. This is an excuse. It's not a right argument, because basically, the US is a net exporter of illegal immigrants, illegal guns and illegal drugs to Canada,” she told CNN's Christian Amanpoor.
“So it's more than that we're at risk. President Trump wants to put us in a state where we're far more economically weakened, in order to annex us in the end.”
Shortly after Trump's tariffs were implemented, Canada was fired for its own tariffs with a 25% tariff on $30 billion in goods.
Trump later suspended tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods covered by the 2020 US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The suspension is set to last until April 2nd.
According to the administration, additional taxes on Canadian potassium drugs, which are important fertilizer ingredients, are expected to be reduced to 10%.
“It includes cars and cars were leading to accomplishing this, but Canada and Mexico have done a good job of providing more work to prove they're reducing fentanyl death,” Commerce Secretary Howard Luttonick said.
However, Lutnick added that when the suspension rises, mutual tariffs will be enforced.
“Hopefully, Mexico and Canada have done enough work with fentanyl to make this part of the conversation go off the table.
Jolie adds that Canada can stop the annexation of the US, referring to Trump's previous remarks showing his desire to become America's 51st state, with Washington's north neighbor.
“Well, first of all, we can definitely stop them because the Canadians are united,” she said Thursday. They are united to protect our work. ”
“And, as I said, our way of life too. We are not Americans, we are very proud of our country. Jolie continued, “And looking back at our history, we created Canada at the time. We were part of the American Empire.”
“At this point, we have been shown too much disrespect from the Trump administration and are calling the 51st state and calling the governor to announce the prime minister.”
Other Canadian officials have already pushed back Trump's international economic measures.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Michigan, New York and Minnesota will face 25% tariffs on electricity starting next Monday.
“And isn't this a shame? It's an absolute mess. He created chaos. He ran the power of attorney. Low costs, lower inflation creates more jobs. That's the exact opposite,” Ford said.
“You know, people are losing their jobs in the US and Canada and there is already inflation,” he added.
