Sep 23, 2026 3:43 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over its trade and tariff policies, saying they are not working in the best interests of the American people.
Speaking Tuesday at Brown University in Rhode Island, Trudeau described the United States under the Trump administration as an increasingly unreliable partner. He argued that the administration’s “win-lose” approach to trade, including tariffs on Canadian aluminum and softwood lumber, is ultimately hurting American consumers and businesses.
Trudeau said tariffs on Canadian aluminum can increase costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers, while tariffs on Canadian lumber can raise expenses for homebuilders. He also said the current level of uncertainty is making it more difficult for partner countries to rely on Washington and for businesses to make investment decisions.
The Trump administration, however, has defended its tariff measures as part of its “America First” trade policy, arguing that they are intended to protect U.S. workers, businesses and national economic interests.




