September 17, 2026 | 10:23 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday responded to the European Union's plans to add Canada as an associate member with threats and ridicule.
During her annual speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was opening the door for Canada to become its first associate member.
Such a relationship to the bloc does not currently exist and would have to be created from scratch.
How did Trump respond to Canada's EU associate membership idea?
In comments to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said the idea could become a "hostile act." He threatened to impose sanctions on the EU in response.
"If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things," Trump told reporters en route to an event in North Carolina.
The US president also described the prospect of Canada joining the EU as "laughable."
Why is Canada turning to the EU?
The potential Canadian EU associate membership comes as Trump, during his second term in office, has shaken Washington's relationship with its northern neighbor to the core.
Canada was among the first victims of Trump's tariff policy.
Tensions escalated between Ottawa and Washington after trade talks broke down last month, with Trump imposing further sanctions on Canada and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowing to respond in kind.
Washington's transatlantic ties have also suffered under Trump, most notably after the US president's push to take control of the Arctic island of Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The EU was also hit by Trump's wide tariffs, as were most countries worldwide, but the two sides reached a trade agreement to bring them down.
US Congress Passes Russia Sanctions Bill
4 jam lalu
The sanctions package is considered the most substantial US legislative effort against Moscow, Russia, since Trump returned to the White House.
AI leaders Call for Regulations, Trump Dismisses 'Hoaxes'
1 hari lalu
AI giants are working to create a standards body amid rising alarms about the dangers of the industry. Meanwhile, Trump has dismissed the warnings.
Russia: Trump's Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal is 'Good Idea'
1 hari lalu
The Russian government has welcomed United States President Donald Trump's suggestion that Russia and Ukraine should cease mutual attacks.
Trump Seeks Halt to Energy Attacks by Both Russia, Ukraine
1 hari lalu
Donald Trump, under fire for record U.S. diesel prices, claims Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop striking energy targets.
US Scraps Greenhouse Gas Rules for Power Plants
2 hari lalu
The Environmental Protection Agency said it was repealing Biden-era limits on emissions made by power plants.
Trump's Ireland Remark Draws Flak as UK Unity under Threat
2 hari lalu
The leaders of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland gathered on Monday to declare their nations' right to self-determination.
Russian Oligarch Helped Fund Trump Jr.'s Wedding Celebration
2 hari lalu
Trump's son and his wife confirmed reports that Umar Kremlev paid for parts of the festivities
US Supreme Court Denies Trump Bid to Restrict Mail Ballots
2 hari lalu
The US Supreme Court has denied President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump Calls Concerns Over Rapid AI Growth a 'Sick Conspiracy'
2 hari lalu
Trump called concerns over rapid AI development a "sick conspiracy," while tech leaders warn of risks from the technology's growing capabilities.
Trump Dismisses Report China Supplied Intel to Iran
3 hari lalu
The U.S. president downplayed reports that Chinese entities had given Iran satellite imagery before a strike on a military base in Jordan.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/9302675/original/000661800_1784602076-1000126784.jpg)
