White House says Trump ‘finally ending Canada’s free ride’

11 claims of Canada's supposed wrongdoing posted online — 'the record of Canadian abuse is clear and deliberate'

Published Aug 25, 2026  •  2 minute read

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the construction of a new helipad on the South Lawn of the White House continues on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Photo by . (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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It had been a relatively quiet day on social media for United States President Donald Trump as of Tuesday afternoon.

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The U.S president made one social media post regarding the trade spat with Canada, teasing that he was going to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America because he doesn’t see the U.S. doing much trade with Ontario.  

“I think it’s a lot of rhetoric because we’re the No. 1 customer to 17 states, and No. 2 to 12 others,” a much-dialed-back Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. “… I feel that we need to get back to the table and build the, as I always say, Fortress North America. We’re stronger working together, rather than attacking each other. It just doesn’t make sense.”   

The White House weighs in on the trade battle between Canada and the Unites States. Photo by . (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

Verbal jousting

However, the White House itself took up the verbal jousting on behalf of the president with a news release on Tuesday afternoon with the headline ‘President Trump Is Finally Ending Canada’s Free Ride.’

“Canada has been ripping off the United States for decades — and President Donald J. Trump is done letting them get away with it,” the post on the official website said. “Last week, the U.S offered Canada the most preferential market access of any country on Earth, with deep cuts on steel, aluminum, autos, lumber, and more. Instead of partnership, Canada chose unreasonable demands, walk-backs, and flat-out rejection.” 

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The site went ahead full bore, posting 11 claims of Canada’s supposed wrongdoing from their side of the fence, saying “the record of Canadian abuse is clear and deliberate.” 

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War of words

Here are just a handful of statements listed within the White House news release:

“Canada is joined only by the People’s Republic of China in choosing retaliation over negotiation,” the post said. “Their continued discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce has burdened American workers, farmers, and businesses.” 

“Canada has extracted persistent average annual goods trade deficit of roughly $50 billion US from the U.S. over the last decade — while refusing reciprocal access.” 

“Without the United States, Canada could not survive. Canada sends roughly three-quarters of all its goods exports to America — and the U.S. market is where Canada gets the overwhelming majority of its money and economic oxygen.” 

“Canada’s failed trade policies are driving its own manufacturers south. A recent survey found 42% of Canadian manufacturers have already moved or are planning to move production to the U.S.” 

With the pressure ramping up again, the White House called Canada “difficult” and “unreasonable.”  

“They feel entitled, but they are not a State and will be entitled no longer!” the post said. “Canadian leadership chose retaliation over partnership — and America is no longer willing to carry them.” 

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