Washington, July 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday blamed Canada for the wildfire smoke affecting large parts of the Midwestern and eastern United States, saying the Canadian government had failed to properly manage its forests and suggesting that the cost of the resulting pollution could be factored into existing tariffs on Canadian goods.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said he intended to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the issue.
“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests and brush,” Trump wrote, alleging that the United States was being “unnecessarily invaded” by smoke that had created unhealthy air quality across several regions.
The President described the smoke as “filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air,” calling the situation dangerous and unacceptable. He also indicated that the economic impact of the cross-border air pollution could be considered in addition to tariffs already imposed on Canada.
Wildfire smoke from Canada has periodically affected air quality across parts of the United States during recent wildfire seasons, prompting health advisories in several states as prevailing winds carry smoke southward.
Trump’s remarks add a new dimension to U.S.-Canada relations, linking environmental concerns with ongoing trade discussions between the two neighbouring countries. Canadian authorities had not immediately responded publicly to the President’s comments.
