Global News- In the Oval Office, near a map with the name 'Lake America', Trump said Canada has been difficult to deal with and repeated claims the country is ripping off the United States, adding 'They want to be treated like a state, but they are not a state.'
- Danielle Smith expressed confusion over the targeting, citing the long-standing economic and military relationship between the two countries, including Canadian troops standing with Americans in Afghanistan and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that his war of words with Trump got personal but he wants a good deal for people on both sides; the two had exchanged insults, with Ford calling Trump a bully and Trump calling Ford a 'less charismatic, intelligent' version of his late brother Rob Ford.
- Smith said Canadians don't understand why the Americans would want Canada to be weaker, adding 'I think we’re stronger together.'
Canadians are perplexed by President Trump's recent renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America, a move that has sparked confusion and disappointment among local leaders.34
“Canadians are confused,” said a local official, highlighting the long-standing economic and military relationship between the two nations.
Smith emphasized that this relationship is particularly significant as the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, reminding both countries of their shared sacrifices, including Canadian troops standing alongside Americans in Afghanistan.
“We don’t understand why the Americans would want Canada to be weaker,” Smith stated, asserting that “I think we’re stronger together.”
The tension has been exacerbated by recent trade disputes, with the United States imposing 50 percent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian exports, effective August 22, following stalled trade negotiations.
In response, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products starting September 8. Smith warned that the ongoing trade war could “topple small businesses and decimate jobs” on both sides of the border.
Despite the tensions, Smith expressed hope for renewed dialogue, stating, “Canadians are really hopeful that we can get back to the table.”
The situation has also seen Ontario Premier Doug Ford engage in a war of words with Trump, calling him a bully, while Trump dismissed Ford as a “less charismatic, intelligent” version of his late brother, Rob Ford.56
Sitting in the Oval Office, Trump claimed Canada has been difficult to deal with, stating, “They want to be treated like a state, but they are not a state.”12
“Smith said Canadians don't understand why the US would want Canada weaker, adding 'I think we're stronger together.' Trump, in the Oval Office near a map labeled 'Lake America,' repeated claims Canada is 'ripping off' the US and said 'They want to be treated like a state, but they are not a state.'”
