In a fiery response to Canada’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN, US President Donald Trump warned that a trade deal between the neighbors is now “very hard” to achieve. “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social, signaling escalating tensions.

Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced Wednesday it will formally recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September, aligning with the UK and France. Carney emphasized urgency, stating, “The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace.” He framed the move as preserving a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian coexistence, a stance that contrasts with the US’s strong support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.

The declaration comes at a precarious time for US-Canada relations, already strained by Trump’s trade policies. Canada faces a looming 35% tariff on its exports to the US unless a deal is reached, with Trump refusing to extend deadlines he set for multiple countries. Some nations have secured tariff reductions by offering greater market access to American firms, but Canada’s latest move may complicate negotiations. Trump, who once suggested Canada should join the US, recently called it “very difficult to deal with over the years” and has repeatedly criticized Canadian leaders, including Carney and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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The rift highlights broader geopolitical divides, with Canada’s Palestine stance potentially influencing G7 dynamics on the Gaza war. As trade talks falter and tariffs loom, the US-Canada relationship faces one of its most challenging moments under Trump’s presidency.

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