• Trump threatens Canada with a 100% tariff if a trade deal with China is finalized.
• The U.S. President warns that China will "devour" Canada economically.
• Relations are strained following Canadian PM Carney's visit to China and his speech at Davos.
• Trump insists Canada's security relies on the U.S., calling for gratitude from Ottawa.
• Canada leaders emphasize independence and an intent to strengthen ties with the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Canadian imports if Canada proceeds with a trade deal with China. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that he would be “sorely mistaken” if he thinks Canada could act as a “‘Drop Off Port’ for China,” insisting that “China will eat Canada alive” economically, impacting its businesses and social fabric adversely, according to ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and South China Morning Post.

This warning follows a new trade agreement Canada negotiated with China, aimed at lowering tariffs on electric vehicles and certain agricultural exports. Trump’s latest outburst coincides with rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada, especially after Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he argued that "middle powers must act together"... (as being) "on the menu" if not involved, reports NPR and CBS News.

Trump's rhetoric has also included a revocation of Carney's invitation to join his so-called "Board of Peace," suggesting further souring relations. Carney had emphasized during his China visit a commitment to strengthening trade partnerships while also dismissing Trump's claims that Canada’s relationship solely depends on the U.S., according to Los Angeles Times and Anadolu Agency.

In a separate statement, Canada’s Minister Dominic LeBlanc clarified that the recent negotiations were focused on resolving specific tariff issues rather than pursuing free trade with China. He reaffirmed the remarkable partnership Canada enjoys with the U.S. and its sovereignty, despite Trump’s ongoing tweets that undermine this relationship and even suggest Canada becoming the 51st state, as mentioned in articles by India Times and BBC.