The Associated Press contributed to this story as part of a partnership between InDepthNH.org and the AP Fund for Journalism
By Nancy West and The Associated Press
President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian automobiles, car parts and steel starting next year as the trade rift with Ottawa continued to deepen.
The announcement comes after trade talks between the otherwise reliable trading partners collapsed last week. Long-planned U.S. tariffs on various Canadian goods went into effect after the talks broke off, and Canada has vowed to retaliate.
On his social media page Truth Social, Trump said without the United States, Canada couldn’t survive. He criticized Doug Ford, premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, and called Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “Governor Carney,” calling them “clowns.”
Ford responded in a televised speech Monday, calling Trump a “loser.”
Gov. Kelly Ayotte didn’t respond to a request for comment about the Canadian situation on Monday.
Cinde Warmington, a Democrat who will likely be Ayotte’s challenger in the general election, said: “These tariffs are nothing but a sales tax on families and small businesses, and jeopardize our state’s relationship with our good neighbor to the north.
“Granite Staters can’t afford this constant chaos from Donald Trump, but Kelly Ayotte has proven that she doesn’t have what it takes to stand up to him. As governor, I’ll use every tool we have to put more money back in the pockets of working families and get them the relief they need,” said Warmington.
Speaking with reporters April 9, 2025 about tariffs then, Ayotte said Canada is the state’s number two trading partner and there is a lot of back and forth business and President Donald Trump’s tariffs at the time were “not helping” including travel and tourism.
“I have urged the administration to resolve this issue in particular with Canada. Obviously there are other countries too that are involved but Canada is our neighbor and I am hopeful that the Trump Administration and Canadian officials will come together and resolve this quickly,” Ayotte said in 2025.
Trump’s post on Monday said: “Lots of ‘bluster’ from Doug Ford, who is the Premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, but who is better known as the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford. America has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer! The U.S.A. will always be far bigger, richer, and stronger than Canada. Without the United States, Canada couldn’t survive — It’s where they get all of their money and, because of their current bad leadership, primarily Governor Carney, and his Flunky, Ford, they will not be allowed to keep taking advantage of the United States — Their key to survival. Remember, much of the Electricity, Oil, and Gas that Canada gets is transported through the U.S.A. Someone should get these clowns to ‘fall in line’ or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE! Canada’s Unemployment Rate is now at 10%, and rapidly rising. Their businesses are fleeing for the United States, and it’s all because of their failed policies, and inept leadership! The days of ripping off our Farmers, and other Businesses, are OVER! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Ford said of Trump: “I have more courage, more brains in my baby toe than he has in his whole body. So there you go.”
Ford said in his speech: “There’s a lot of people in the U.S. that are calling me saying ‘way to go, keep going.’ You know, your own people, President Trump, don’t even like you. And they’re going to speak loud and clear when it comes to the midterms. And if I was allowed to, I’d be down there door knocking. Do you think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy. I’m ready. Bring it on. You know something? I’ve dealt with guys like you my whole life. And guess what? You all become losers because you’re a loser.”