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Trump has sharply escalated pressure on Canada over the past week, applying heavier economic measures against Ottawa than against most other countries targeted by his trade policies. The escalation took an unusual turn as Trump addressed reporters while arriving at a special screening of the documentary Melania, centered on his wife, Melania Trump. Already angered by a speech delivered by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump appeared further provoked by reports of a possible trade deal between Canada and China. His comments reflected an effort to exert maximum economic leverage on what had long been one of the United States' most reliable allies, as the dispute broadened from tariffs into a direct challenge to Canada's economic autonomy and national sovereignty.
The first thing they're going to do is say ‘you're not allowed to play ice hockey anymore.
In a weird stance, Trump commented on the recent rapprochement between Canada and China, framing it as a sign of weakness rather than strategic diversification. Speaking to reporters, he criticized Ottawa for looking toward Beijing at a moment when his own administration has sought to apply intense economic pressure on Canada, while also escalating rhetoric that has touched on sovereignty and internal politics.
Trump said bluntly, «Canada is not doing well. They're doing very poorly and you can't look at China as the answer.» He then shifted to a more personal tone, invoking his relationship with Beijing by adding, «I know China very well. I know President Xi, is a friend of mine, I know him very well.» Trump followed with a warning directed squarely at Canada's leadership, stating, «But that's a big hurdle to go over when you get Canada.» The remarks came as questions swirl over reports suggesting Trump's administration has held meetings with far-right separatist figures linked to Alberta, adding to concerns in Ottawa about political interference alongside economic pressure.
Trump then pushed his argument into even stranger territory, warning that closer ties with China could threaten Canada's national identity, including its most iconic sport.
In comments that quickly drew attention for their tone and substance, he suggested Beijing would impose cultural demands on Ottawa, claiming, «The first thing they're going to do is say: you're not allowed to play ice hockey anymore.»
He immediately added, «That's not good.» The remarks capped a pattern of rhetoric that has repeatedly questioned Canada's sovereignty, with Trump having previously floated the idea of the country becoming the 51st US state and recently referring to the Canadian prime minister as a governor. Ending his comments with another pointed warning, Trump said, «Canada's not going to like that.» The episode underscored how Trump's pressure campaign against one of Washington's closest allies has expanded beyond tariffs into symbolic and provocative territory.
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