Trump threatens more tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke

President Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke that drifted from the country into the U.S., triggering health warnings and disrupting outdoor activities.

Why it matters: Dealing with Canadian wildfire smoke is becoming a semi-regular occurrence in the Midwest and Northeast.

• It degrades air quality, exposing millions to short- and long-term health risks, Axios' Herb Scribner reports.

Driving the news: Trump said Friday on Truth Social that the "cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying."

• He blamed the wildfire smoke on Canadian officials for "not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein," causing the U.S. to be "unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!"
• He said he would call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "to find out what they are going to do about it," blaming the country for "Willful Negligence."

The other side: Canadian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's threat.

Zoom in: The Canadian government has acknowledged that its wildfire crisis is worsening, due in part to a hotter and drier climate.

• In 2024, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers launched its Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, aiming "to provide a cohesive vision of wildland fire prevention and mitigation to mobilize collective action and reduce the negative impacts of wildland fire."