Canadian lawmaker Charlie Angus sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump as tensions between the countries escalate over trade and immigration policies, accusing him of jeopardizing economic stability and human rights.
Angus, a member of Canada's New Democratic Party, warned that Canadian nationals could face be sent to facilities like El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, a reference to the deportation of Venezuelan nationals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 during the past weekend:
"We know if Trump can get away with this, there's no reason that a Canadian, or a German, or someone from the UK isn't going to be picked up and deported to some El Salvadoran concentration camp. Canada must stand firm at this time. We are true, we are north, we are strong, we are free, we will not bend, and we will not give an inch"
Canadian MP Charlie Angus: Canada is a country of the rule of law. Canada is a country of democracy. Canada will never kiss that gangster’s ring. pic.twitter.com/vEeyGc9YO0
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 20, 2025
Angus's comments come amid mounting tensions over Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and other goods, measures that have sparked retaliatory boycotts by Canadian consumers and a downturn in the bilateral trade relationship. "We want to go back to working with the communities on the other side of the border... but if you're going to make them our enemy, well, Donald, we're going to fight you the whole way, and you're going to lose," Angus stated, according to HuffPost.
The lawmaker went on to criticize Trump's foreign policy, questioning his alignment with authoritarian leaders while antagonizing allies. "You've kissed up to Putin... This guy is a war criminal," Angus said. He also described the Trump administration's approach to economic policy as a "total circus," warning of broader consequences.
Angus then emphasized the emotional toll of Trump's policies on Canadians, noting a palpable feeling of rage among those who feel targeted by his tariffs and inflammatory statements, including his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the U.S.'s 51st state. "There's a real anger right now," Angus said.
Trump again made reference to relations with Canada on Friday during a press conference on the Oval Office. He said the country might not skew Democratic if annexed by the U.S., though he noted that before he took office Canadian conservatives held a significant polling lead. "I don't care who wins up there," Trump said. "Frankly it would do better with a liberal if you want to know the truth."
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
