U.S. President Trump threatens tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke from Ontario fires
Trump demands Canada improve forest management after smoke from 189+ active Ontario wildfires blankets 18 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., with poor air quality.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened additional tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke spreading across American skies, claiming the federal government is not properly maintaining forests and brush.
With over 900 active wildfires burning across Canada—189 in Ontario alone—smoke has blanketed numerous U.S. states. According to IQAir data, Detroit ranks as having the worst air quality in the world at the moment, while Washington, D.C., ranks fourth. Air quality alerts have been issued for more than 100 million people in 18 states and the District of Columbia, with poor air quality reaching from northeast Minnesota to southeast Virginia.
On Truth Social, Trump claimed the cost of pollution to the U.S. is "incalculable" and said Canada has "refused to engage in basic Forest Management and Debris Removal, knowing that such refusal will lead to exactly this result." He said he would call Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss Canada's plans.
According to CNN, the Supreme Court previously ruled that Trump could not use emergency powers to levy tariffs, but he has explored using other statutes to do so.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to the criticism, telling U.S. officials they "need support" and thanked Governor Maura Healy of Massachusetts for offering assistance. "Neighbours have each other's backs, which is why Ontario has always been there for our American partners in their time of need," Ford wrote on X.
Canada has a history of supporting U.S. wildfire efforts. In early 2025, when wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Canada sent firefighters, aircraft, equipment, and other resources to assist.
By the numbers
How many active wildfires are burning across Canada?
Over 900 active wildfires are burning across Canada, with 189 of them in Ontario alone.
How many U.S. states have air quality alerts issued?
Air quality alerts have been issued for 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, affecting more than 100 million people.
Which U.S. cities have the worst air quality from the smoke?
Detroit ranks as having the worst air quality in the world at the moment, while Washington, D.C., ranks fourth according to IQAir data.
