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Trump calls Canada becoming 'associate member' of EU a hostile act

  • Kelly Geraldine Malone

  • Canadian Press

  • September 16, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump boards Marine One on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, near the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump says if Canada becomes the first associate member of the European Union it would be a "hostile act."

Speaking to reporters after landing in North Carolina, the president said if it's done with "bad intentions" he may respond with tariffs on Europe.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Mark Carney listened in the front row of the state of the European Union address as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen laid out the case for the closer relationship.

Trump also called Canada a "terrible trade partner" after earlier Wednesday further escalating the trade war with America's northern neighbour.

The president signed a memorandum directing federal agencies overseeing government procurement in the United States to remove all products of Canadian origin.

A White House official speaking on background said that order was not related to the European Union forging closer ties with Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026.