Trump Warns EU of Tariffs or Trade Suspension Over Canada’s Associate Membership

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on the 16th (local time) that he could regard its proposal to grant Canada the EU’s first associate member status as a "hostile act" and might impose additional tariffs on the EU.
After arriving in North Carolina that day, President Trump spoke with reporters after disembarking from Air Force One. Asked about the possibility of Canada becoming an EU associate member, he said, "I don’t think there’s any possibility of that," and made the remarks.
President Trump warned, "If they do that, and I consider it a hostile act, we will either impose very high tariffs or stop trading with Europe on several products."
He added, "If they are doing it in good faith, that’s fine, but if they have bad intentions, we will impose very high tariffs on Europe, and that is possible," reiterating his warning.
He also criticized Canada, which had previously been embroiled in trade tensions with the United States, calling it "a terrible trading partner."
Regarding the situation in the war with Iran, he said, "We hope the war is nearing its end," adding, "They want a deal, and we will see what happens."
He reiterated, "Iran very much wants a deal."
Meanwhile, President Trump emphasized that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Kennedy Center), a major performing arts venue in Washington, D.C., would "need massive subsidies going forward" to pursue renovations amid financial difficulties. He added, "Since our administration is trying to move that forward, it should receive credit for the work."
After a court blocked the Kennedy Center board’s attempt to put President Trump’s name on the exterior walls and other parts of the building, the board last month again pursued a plan to display his contribution to restoring and remodeling the center on its exterior.
However, when the court also refused to allow that plan, the board decided to close the center, citing financial difficulties and aging facilities.
The board, whose members are mostly appointees of President Trump, claims that Trump is unlikely to provide financial support for the remodeling unless his contribution is appropriately recognized at the center.

[email protected] International Affairs Specialist Lee Seok-woo Reporter