Staff Reporter

U.S President Donald Trump has warned Canada that its decision to recognize a Palestinian state will severely hinder ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations, particularly as the crucial August 1 tariff deadline looms.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Canada’s announcement of backing the recognition of Palestine will make it tough for the U.S to make a trade deal with them.

“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!!!” He wrote.

The message from the White House follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement on Wednesday that Canada intends to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

The move aligns Canada with recent decisions by France and Britain to recognize Palestinian statehood, amidst escalating international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israel and the United States have both voiced their disapproval of these recognitions.

Trump’s immediate reaction underscores the economic leverage he is prepared to use, especially with a 35% tariff on all Canadian goods not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) set to take effect tomorrow.