On Friday, July 18th, 2026, President Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada, citing wildfires in the northern neighbor as the source of polluted air blanketing large parts of the U.S. Midwest and East Coast. Trump accused Canada of "Willful Negligence" for not properly maintaining its forests and brush, stating on Truth Social that the resulting smoke is "filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air" that is "dangerous, and totally unacceptable."

He further claimed the wildfire smoke is "costing the United States Billions of Dollars," and that these costs should be added to the tariffs Canada currently pays. The existing tariffs on Canadian goods stand at 10%, though most imports are exempt under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Trump said he would discuss the issue with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In response, Carney's office referred CBS News to a statement from Canadian Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski, who said Canada is "working with urgency alongside provincial and territorial partners" and has invested billions of dollars in forest fire prevention in recent years. Olszewski highlighted the long history of cooperation between Canada and the United States in fighting wildfires on both sides of the border, noting Canadian firefighters' assistance during last year's Los Angeles wildfires.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra also praised the "outstanding cooperation between the United States and Canada" in addressing the shared wildfire challenge.

Meanwhile, four Michigan Republicans sent a letter to Prime Minister Carney expressing frustration, stating "our patience has run out" and accusing Canada of "chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns." They noted this is the third consecutive year they have raised concerns about a preventable crisis.

Sources