Trump threatens Canada with tariffs over wildfires

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Canada, arguing that the country should pay for the cost of wildfire smoke pollution blanketing large parts of the United States. The US president accused Canada of "willful negligence" and failing to maintain its forests, stating on Truth Social that the "cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying."

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This is Willful Negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States Billions of Dollars.

Dense smoke from wildfires, primarily burning in Canada, has triggered unhealthy air quality alerts across the US. At one point, Detroit was identified as the most polluted city globally, with Washington and Chicago also experiencing severe smog. Canadian emergency management minister Eleanor Olszewski stated that Canada and the US are in "constant contact" and highlighted Canada's $12 billion investment in forest sustainability and fire prevention since 2020.

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the cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying.

Officials warned residents to limit outdoor activities due to the dangerous air. The World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey is being closely monitored, with concerns that smoke could drift south. Tournament organizers are "monitoring closely," according to White House World Cup task force executive director Andrew Giuliani. Air quality forecaster Joel Dreessen noted that some models suggest smoke could be pulled south by weekend storm systems.

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not properly maintaining their forests, failing to carry out "basic Forest Management and Debris Removal."

Advocates emphasize the link between recurring wildfire smoke episodes and climate change, citing scientists who explain that climate change creates conditions for longer fire seasons with higher temperatures and lower soil moisture. Many people across the Midwest and Northeast wore masks outdoors, with libraries and train stations distributing them for free.

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This is Willful Negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States Billions of Dollars.