U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada, citing wildfire smoke drifting into American cities as justification for the penalty. The announcement came Friday as Canadian officials reported 896 active wildfires nationwide, including 200 in Ontario, where 81 remain out of control.

Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke and poor forest management

In a social media post, Trump accused Canada of failing to maintain its forests and brush, calling the resulting air pollution “filthy, polluted, and unhealthy.” He claimed the U.S. is being “unnecessarily invaded” by the smoke and pledged to add the “incalculable” cost to existing tariffs on Canadian exports.

Trump also stated he would contact Prime Minister Mark Carney, alleging negligence by the Canadian government. The threat aligns with his broader strategy of using tariffs to pressure foreign nations, including demands for increased border security and trade concessions since his 2025 re-election.

Scientific consensus vs. political blame

Scientists attribute the rise in North American wildfires to climate change, hot and dry conditions, and past fire suppression policies. However, Trump has repeatedly blamed left-leaning and centrist leaders for mismanagement, as he did with California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2025 over Los Angeles wildfires.

During his first term, Trump suggested California should have raked forest floors to prevent fires—a claim experts dismissed. His administration has also faced criticism for cutting wildfire research funding, including labs studying smoke’s health impacts.

Ontario wildfires prompt evacuations as criticism grows

Ontario Premier Doug Ford reported 10 communities evacuated due to fires, including a major blaze in Wabakimi Provincial Park that destroyed First Nations communities. Ford thanked U.S. states like Massachusetts and Minnesota for support, emphasizing cross-border cooperation.

Meanwhile, Republicans like Michigan Representative Bill Huizenga echoed Trump’s criticism, calling Canada’s fire mitigation efforts inadequate. Trump reiterated his stance Friday, stating Canada’s refusal to engage in “basic Forest Management and Debris Removal” constitutes “Willful Negligence” and costs the U.S. billions annually.

The wildfire smoke has raised concerns about the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey this weekend, though no official changes have been announced.