Canadian MP Charlie Angus Slams Trump Over Canada Tariff and 51st State Comment

Canadian Member of Parliament Charlie Angus has strongly criticized President Donald Trump over his recent suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. Angus, speaking on CNN’s News Central with Brianna Keilar, labeled Trump a “liar” and rejected the claim that Canada is a narco-state.

Trump’s remarks came as he signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, part of a broader trade policy targeting Mexico and China.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump justified the tariffs as a necessary move to protect American interests and curb illegal activities, including drug trafficking and unauthorized migration.

He also reiterated his longstanding assertion that Canada should integrate into the United States.

“I think the issue is that Donald Trump is claiming Canada is a narco-state. The man’s a liar,” Angus said.

The trade war sparked by Trump’s new tariffs has strained relations with the U.S.’s largest trading partners. The president has defended the move as a way to pressure neighboring countries into assisting in controlling the flow of fentanyl and migrants into the U.S. from both the northern and southern borders.

Angus pushed back, arguing that Canada has been a responsible partner and suggesting that the real issue lies with firearms coming from the U.S. into Canada.

“I would love to see more resources go to the border to stop American guns from killing Canadians,” he said. “We would do that to avoid a trade war. We’re reasonable as Canadians, but when someone threatens our sovereignty, we’re hunkering down for a fight.”

The Canadian lawmaker also criticized Trump’s approach to international relations, pointing to his friendliness with authoritarian leaders while creating conflicts with traditional allies.

“Trump has warm relationships with people like President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, but instead of working with us, he’s picking a fight,” Angus said. “If that’s the way it’s going to be, we’ll be there, pound for pound.”

While acknowledging the economic toll that a trade war could bring, Angus expressed confidence that Canada is better positioned to weather the challenge than the deeply divided U.S.

“It’s going to hurt us a lot,” he admitted. “But the American people are much more divided than we are right now, and we are unified. So, we will wait to see what comes next.”

Despite the sharp rhetoric, a temporary resolution was reached later in the day. Trump announced a deal with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to delay the tariffs for 30 days.

The agreement requires Canada and Mexico to increase border security measures aimed at reducing unauthorized migration and illicit trade.

Trump framed the deal as a victory for American interests.

“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!”

The move gives negotiators a limited window to strike a broader trade agreement while preventing immediate economic consequences. However, tensions remain high, with Canadian officials wary of Trump’s demands and unpredictable negotiating style.

While some analysts see the tariff delay as a sign of de-escalation, others warn that it could merely be a brief pause before a more intense confrontation.

Trudeau has not publicly commented in detail on the deal, but sources within the Canadian government indicate that the prime minister is preparing for all scenarios, including potential economic retaliation.

The next month will be critical in determining whether Trump’s aggressive trade stance leads to lasting agreements or further economic and diplomatic strain.

For now, Angus and other Canadian leaders are making clear that they will not back down in the face of what they see as unjustified attacks on their country’s sovereignty and economy.