‘Stop treating America like a piggybank’: Trump threatens to block Canada’s Bombardier jets in US
US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to bar Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier from selling its jets in the United States unless the company moves its manufacturing operations to American soil, escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa.In a post on Truth Social, MAGA supremo Trump targeted the Montreal-based business jet maker, accusing Canada of pursuing protectionist policies against US companies.“NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” Trump wrote. “Over 50% of their revenue comes from the United States — They live off American Buyers, American Companies, American Airports, and American Service — All while Canada blocks our GREAT American Banks, and Companies, throughout the USA”Trump also accused Canadian authorities of restricting US aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace from operating in Canada.“They even blocked Gulfstream Aerospace from doing business in Canada — Completely unjust and unfair! That Era is OVER!” Trump added. “If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank.’ BUY AMERICAN. FLY ON AMERICAN AIRLINERS. ENJOY AMERICAN LIQUOR AND BEVERAGES. SAIL ON LAKE AMERICA. AMERICA FIRST!”Trump’s remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between the two North American neighbours following the breakdown of bilateral trade talks and threats of retaliatory tariffs on key goods.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier said Ottawa remained ready to negotiate a durable trade agreement with Washington while protecting Canadian workers, families and businesses.“We are always going to stand up for what’s in the best interest of Canada, Canadian workers, and Canadian families, not look for an easy win, not looking for an announcement, but something that’s durable. And that deal is possible; that’s in both of our benefits,” Carney said at a press conference.Carney said a trade agreement benefiting Canadian workers, families and businesses would also serve the interests of American consumers, businesses and families.He also indicated that Canada would not simply wait for Washington to make the next move, saying Ottawa was working to strengthen its domestic economy and expand trade ties with other countries.“It is talking to and concluding agreements with all the countries around the world who want to make a deal with Canada,” Carney added.The Canadian leader reiterated that Ottawa had suspended trade negotiations with the US after rejecting terms proposed by Washington.“Our country is being tested. Two weeks ago, we made the right decision to suspend our trade negotiations with the United States. We couldn’t accept what they’d offered. We wouldn’t give what they’d asked. As a result, the US has imposed new tariffs designed to hurt and divide us,” he said.Trump, meanwhile, has described Canada as “one of the worst abusers” and called on Canadian companies to shift operations to the US to avoid tariffs.In a series of Truth Social posts last week, Trump credited his tariff policies with reviving the US automotive sector and accused Canada of unfair trade practices.“When I announced that I was running in the 2024 Presidential Election, right at the beginning, Ford was getting ready to close their Big Factory, in Detroit. Then, because I was leading in the Polls, they figured they would leave it open a little longer to see what happened. Now it’s running 24/7, and it’s one of the most profitable Car Plants in the World!” Trump said.Trump also accused previous US administrations of failing to take a tougher approach towards Canada, drawing comparisons with his administration’s stance on Iran.“This should have happened long ago with other Presidents, just as stopping Iran should have happened long ago.”
