President Donald Trump is unhappy with Canada‘s decision to recognize the state of Palestine.
Just days ahead of joint trade talks with the important U.S. trading partner, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would join Western allies France and the United Kingdom in pledging to recognize Palestine as a sovereign territory, under certain conditions.
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution,” Carney said in a post on X, calling for “an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.”
In July, Trump announced a 35% tariff on imports of certain Canadian goods that is set to take effect tomorrow. Trump criticized Canada on Truth Social, blaming Carney for complicating a potential trade agreement as the two countries head toward the negotiating table.
“Wow,” wrote the president in his post. “Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”
In a press briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expanded on the president’s post.
“The president expressed his displeasure and his disagreement with the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada,” she said.
Leavitt noted that the White House believes that recognizing Palestine would be “rewarding Hamas.”
In his announcement of recognition, Carney called on the Palestinian Authority to institute “much-needed reforms” and a general election in 2026. In addition, he demanded that “Hamas play no part” in the elections.
