US President Donald Trump has warned it will be “very hard” for the United States to make a trade deal with Canada, after Ottawa announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
Writing on Truth Social on Wednesday, the US President said: “Wow!… That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”
The comment followed remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who confirmed that Canada will formally recognise a Palestinian state in September.
Speaking in Ottawa, Carney said his decision was prompted by the “catastrophe” in Gaza, and warned that the prospect of a Palestinian state was “receding before our eyes”.
The Canadian government’s decision mirrors similar announcements in recent days from the UK and France. On Tuesday, British officials said they would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would do the same.
“We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel,” Macron said.
Trump has previously set a deadline of August 1st for countries to finalise trade agreements with the United States, warning that those who fail to do so may face higher tariffs.
According to the United Nations, 147 of its 193 member states already recognise Palestine.
In May last year, Ireland announced that it would recognise the State of Palestine, in coordination with Spain and Norway. The move drew criticism from Israel’s government, which recalled its ambassador from Dublin.
While the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, Gaza remains under the control of Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organisation by the US, EU, and other Western nations.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn international scrutiny, with over 60,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023, according to local health authorities. Israel maintains that thousands of those killed were combatants.