U.S. President Donald Trump continued to rant about Canada during a White House event on Wednesday, where he accused the country of taking advantage of “stupid leadership for many, many years.”
Speaking at an event marking U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month, Trump said the United States was “so stupidly run” because automakers moved plants to other countries, including Canada.
“Canada has taken advantage of us for so many years, the worst of any country,” he said.
“I love the Canadian people, but the leaders have taken advantage of our stupid leadership for many, many years. They felt emboldened.”
The U.S. president added that he has “so many friends” from north of the border, name-dropping Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky before he continued to berate Canada.
“They act like they’re totally innocent. They’re not. They were very bad. But now they’re being taught a little lesson.”
Trump’s latest criticisms of Canada come amid the escalating trade war between the two countries. The U.S. import tariffs on certain Canadian goods, including most booze, dairy byproducts and some motorcycles, went into effect Tuesday.
Trump said Monday that he thinks he can secure a trade agreement with Canada within weeks.
“They’re gonna come in and they’re gonna say, ‘Sir, we are sorry,”’ he told reporters at the White House. “They’ve treated the United States very, very badly. I think a deal will be made but it’s gonna be fair.”
When asked on Tuesday about Trump’s comments, Prime Minister Mark Carney laughed and said he wouldn’t respond but would take note of the remarks.
“It continues to be the case that Canada stands ready to negotiate in good faith,” Carney told reporters at a news conference in Vancouver.
With files from The Canadian Press
