Trump Threatens Canada Tariffs Over Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has drifted across the United States. It is creating hazy skies and dangerous air quality.
More than 100 million Americans are under air quality alerts. This covers 18 states and Washington DC.
Bad air stretches from northeast Minnesota to southeast Virginia. President Trump blamed Canada for the smoke on Friday.
He said he plans to call Canadian leader Mark Carney. Trump plans to threaten new tariffs over the smoke.
He said the US will add pollution costs to tariffs on Canada. US Republicans are also threatening to punish Canada with sanctions.
They may target Canadian government officials too. Carney has not directly answered the tariff threat.
He said all countries share responsibility for fighting climate change. This includes the United States.
EPA leader Lee Zeldin said the wildfires cause great concern and harm. He said the EPA wants Canada to put out the fires.
Canada had at least 896 active wildfires on Friday. About 70 of those fires started in the past day. The smoke could also affect the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Key Terms 4
- EPA US government agency that protects the environment and air quality
- tariffs Extra taxes a country charges on goods from another country
- Mark Carney The current Prime Minister of Canada
- air quality alert A warning that outdoor air may be unsafe to breathe