Trump's tariffs spark cross-border tension with Canada
Donald Trump approved 25% tariffs on products from Canada. Canadian fans reacted to the U.S. president's move by booing during the American anthem before an NHL game.
The White House cited the influx of fentanyl across the northern and southern borders of the U.S. and China's role in supplying drug cartels with precursors needed to manufacture the drug, which contributed to the deaths of nearly 100,000 Americans last year, as the official reason for imposing the tariffs.
The regulation on tariffs imposed on Canadian products, signed by Trump, asserted that this issue poses a serious threat to the stability of society. It highlighted the influx of gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and various illegal drugs into communities across the border. The regulation also criticized Canada’s handling of these challenges, pointing to a lack of sufficient attention, resources, and coordination with U.S. law enforcement in curbing the flow of illegal substances. The newly implemented tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, February 4.
"I will no longer passively watch as our sovereignty is violated, our laws broken, our citizens endangered, and our borders disregarded," declared Trump in the regulation.
Canada's retaliation
Trump's move was met with an immediate response from Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% retaliatory tariffs on American goods worth 116 billion U.S. dollars. Ottawa's decision is a response to Donald Trump's actions. Some Canadian provinces went even further.
The "hot" decision was also commented on during the American-Canadian NHL hockey league game. During the match played in Canada, local fans loudly booed the American anthem, traditionally played just before matches.
