Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. Donald Trump has been condemned after he threatened to cut off US trade with Europe over the EU’s attempts to have closer ties with Canada. The US president said he could take the drastic step after EU president Ursula von der Leyen announced that Canada is to become the bloc’s first ever “associate member”. It comes amid the ongoing trade war between the US and Canada. Talks between America and Canada have collapsed, with Trump imposing 50% tariffs on imports from its northern neighbour. Reacting to the news on Wednesday, Trump said that could be construed as “a hostile act”. He said: “I think it’s laughable. Canada has been a terrible trade partner. “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. “If Europe does that with a bad intention – if it’s a good intention, that’s fine – if it’s a bad intention we’ll put very heavy tariffs on them.” Trump threatens to cut off trade with Europe if Canada becomes an associate member of the EU. pic.twitter.com/cw5L68Vxrm — Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2026 Such a move would be unprecedented by an American president, and would be potentially disastrous for the European economy, which relies heavily on selling goods to America. Trump’s comments drew an angry response online, with one X user saying the president “does not understand how trade works in the 21st century”. Cutting off trade with our allies because they support our other allies? What a fucking buffoon. https://t.co/ZsbmbEs56s — Angry Staffer (@Angry_Staffer) September 16, 2026 This is nuts. https://t.co/llX0jbHnc2 — Michael McFaul (@McFaul) September 16, 2026 Imagine running a business this way. Every time a customer talks to another supplier, you threaten to stop selling to everyone. Trump keeps giving Canada reasons to rely less on America, then gets angry when Canada relies less on America. https://t.co/HjYn8h02v4 — Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) September 16, 2026 Why in the world would the President of the US have any say or sovereignty over what Canada and the EU decide to do? https://t.co/zLaRRpapVQ — Scott Barber (@thescottbarber) September 16, 2026 Another reminder that a ‘deal’ with Trump isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. The EU had a deal, just as Canada does (CUSMA), yet Trump feels completely unbound by what he agreed to. Those who keep siding with Trump are siding against Canada. https://t.co/co4uxrzQND — Spencer Fernando (@SpencerFernando) September 16, 2026 The President of the United States does not understand how trade works in the 21st century. https://t.co/fgDuoy3bJZ — Trump Lie Tracker (Commentary Account) (@MAGALieTracker) September 17, 2026 Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... 'Maybe They'll Shoot You': Mark Carney Reveals Trump's Warning After Giving Him Bizarre Gift 'Unfit For Office': Donald Trump Condemned For Dismissing AI Warnings As 'A Hoax' 'Absolutely Vile': Donald Trump Slammed For Urging Ukraine To Ease Up On Russian Attacks