Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is forging alliances with both Brussels and Beijing as he scrambles to escape the crushing weight of American tariffs, a move President Donald Trump dismissed as “laughable” before warning of severe consequences for Europe.
The European Commission offered Canada a first-of-its-kind status on Wednesday: “associate member” of the European Union. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended the invitation to Carney, framing it as an effort to build “common strength” rather than a move “against anyone else.”
“I think it’s laughable,” the president said Wednesday night after stepping off Air Force One for a campaign event in North Carolina. “If they do that, if I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things.”
The warning shot came as the United States and Canada remain locked in a bitter trade war, with both nations slapping 50% tariffs on certain imports from each other. Carney has been vocal about rallying the world’s “middle powers” to counter American economic pressure, though he insists he is “not looking to become a member” of the EU but rather seeking a “unique alliance.”
Trump made clear his response will hinge on perceived intent. “If it’s a good intention, that’s fine,” he said. “If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.”\
Whether von der Leyen can actually deliver on her proposal remains to be seen. What’s certain is that President Trump isn’t about to let Canada sidestep American tariffs without consequences, and Europe may find itself caught in the crossfire if it tries to help.
