Trump tells Canada to pay damages over smoke at World Cup

President Donald Trump said he confronted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, demanding action and suggesting Canada pay damages or face tariffs over wildfire smoke that has drifted into the United States. The two leaders attended the championship match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews upon his return to Washington, Trump recounted his conversation with Carney. He said he told the prime minister that Canada must stop the fires from poisoning American air. Trump stated that while he has a good relationship with Carney, the situation must be addressed. He suggested that if the U.S. could help, it would, but also floated the idea that Canada should pay damages or face new tariffs.

The president's remarks follow a series of escalating statements last week. On Friday, July 17, Trump accused Canada of "willful negligence" in forest management on social media, writing that the cost of pollution should be added to existing tariffs. The smoke, originating from wildfires that began in Canada and northeastern Minnesota around July 6, has triggered...