Trump Threatens Tariffs on Canada, Accuses of 'Deliberate Neglect' Over Wildfire Smoke

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday (May 17, 2025) threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada, accusing the Canadian government of 'deliberate neglect' for failing to properly manage forests, leading to wildfire smoke drifting into the United States and deteriorating air quality in parts of the Midwest and East Coast.

Trump posted on Truth Social, stating that Canada has not adequately maintained forests or cleared underbrush, resulting in 'dirty, polluted, and unhealthy air' entering the U.S., creating dangerous and unacceptable air quality conditions.

He said he planned to call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday to learn what measures the Canadian government intends to take, and accused Canada of refusing to conduct basic forest management and debris removal.

He further stated that wildfire smoke from Canada has become an annual recurring problem, causing tens of billions of dollars in losses to the United States, and therefore the associated pollution costs 'must be added to the tariffs Canada currently pays.' However, Trump did not specify the potential tariff rates, applicable goods, or implementation timeline.

Nearly 900 wildfires continue to burn across Canada

Wildfires continue to rage across Canada and northern Minnesota, with over 12 U.S. states currently issuing air quality alerts. Officials in major cities like Chicago and Washington are urging residents to stay indoors or wear masks when going outside to avoid exposure to potentially harmful air pollution.

Affected by upper-atmosphere winds and shifting wind patterns, wildfire smoke from Canada once again blanketed New York City on Friday afternoon and evening. Smoke that had previously been lingering over the Great Lakes and southern Canada was carried back toward the northeastern U.S., worsening air quality in New York.

Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in multiple areas of New York City reached the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' level, briefly rising to around 160 in some periods, entering the 'unhealthy' range. Children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung conditions are advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks when necessary. As of Friday morning, New York ranked fourth-worst among major global cities in air quality, behind only Detroit, Chicago, and Washington.

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as of Friday, there were 897 active wildfires across Canada, with the most severe outbreaks in Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories. Fewer than 100 fires are currently classified as 'contained'.

Weather forecasts indicate that northwest winds may help disperse the smoke later in the week. However, Jake Petr, a meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service, said smoke could continue to drift into the U.S. repeatedly until the wildfires are fully extinguished.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke can trigger respiratory issues, eye irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties, and may worsen pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure in some cases may lead to heart failure, impaired brain function, and premature death.

Republican lawmakers demand Canadian action

Several Republican lawmakers have also criticized the Canadian government for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent wildfires.

Republican U.S. Representatives John James, Jack Bergman, John Moolenaar, and Lisa McClain from Michigan sent a letter to Carney, stating this is the third consecutive year they have written to Canadian officials over the wildfire smoke issue, and that Canada possesses the tools to prevent the crisis but has chosen not to act.

The four lawmakers warned that if Canada does not manage its forests to prevent wildfires, the U.S. will seek other means and take action independently to protect its people.

Republican U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio also stated on social media platform X on Thursday that he plans to introduce legislation to impose sanctions on Canada and Canadian officials over the wildfire smoke issue.