Trudeau is dishonest and weak, says Trump
BY BEN GLAZE Deputy Political Editor and ANDREW GREGORY Political Editor in Quebec
THE White House stepped up its bitter row with G7 leaders yesterday, accusing Canada’s Prime Minister of “stabbing us in the back”.
Donald Trump arrived late and left early at the disastrous summit in Quebec, which was marred by splits over steel tariffs, defence spending and Washington abandoning the Iran nuclear deal.
The dispute led to Mr Trump failing to back the traditional end-of-summit communique agreed by leaders.
He lashed out after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau branded US tariffs “insulting” to the shared history of America and Canada in a press conference. Tweeting from Air Force One the US President hit back: “Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!”
He added: “PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, ‘US Tariffs were kind of insulting’ and he ‘will not be pushed around.’ Very dishonest & weak.
“Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!”
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow joined the attack on Mr Trudeau, telling CNN: ”He says we are the problem with tariffs. They have enormous tariffs. He really stabbed us in the back.”
The icy feeling was obvious in a picture showing Mr Trump with his arms folded while Britain’s Theresa May, Germany’s Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron stood over him.