Trudeau gives direct criticism of Trump

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said President Donald Trump incited an assault on democracy by violent rioters — a rare direct criticism of Trump by him.

Trudeau has been careful not to criticize Trump over the last four years, as 75 percent of Canada’s exports go to America, but Trudeau said Friday that Trump and other politicians are to blame for an event he called “shocking, deeply disturbing, and frankly saddening.”

“What we witnessed was an assault on democracy by violent rioters, incited by the current president and other politicians,” Trudeau said.

Asked if he worries his comments could damage relations with Republicans, Trudeau said: “It’s extremely important that we be there to defend democracy. Words have consequences. Choices made by people in power can have direct impact on behaviors and institutions.”