Amid rising tax debate, US President Donald Trump apparently questioned the legitimacy of the US-Canada borders agreement and suggested revising the barrier during a discussion with his American rival Justin Trudeau, according to the New York Times.
Citing sources familiar with the conversation, the statement mentioned that in a February 3 phone, Trump expressed frustration with the 1908 boundary treaty and raised fears over shared water contracts.
He also voiced disappointment over trade problems, including Canada’s protected dairy industry, banking rules, and usage taxes that he claims put American goods at a risk.
Canada PM Trudeau, responding to the tax measures, dismissed Trump’s explanation as” completely bogus” and accused him of seeking to undermine Canada’s business for potential invasion.
The report further highlighted Trump’s push to reconsider agreements governing shared lakes and rivers, as well as his interest in removing Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. He also explored the possibility of withdrawing from bilateral military agreements, including NORAD.
While secretary of state Marco Rubio has downplayed concerns over military cooperation, Canadian officials remain deeply unsettled, viewing the administration’s actions as a shift in US-Canada relations rather than empty threats.
