US President Donald Trump on Friday warned that Canada could face higher tariffs, accusing Ottawa of failing to properly manage its forests and prevent wildfire smoke from affecting air quality across the United States. He said the cost of the pollution would be added to tariffs already imposed on Canada.

Trump’s remarks came as smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada continued to drift into parts of the United States, prompting air quality alerts across more than 20 states. He also said he planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about measures being taken to address the situation.

Trump Blames Canada for Smoke Pollution

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of allowing forest conditions to deteriorate, resulting in what he described as unhealthy air crossing into the United States.

“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests, and brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!” Trump said.

He added that he intended to raise the matter directly with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“I will call the Prime Minister during the day to find out what they are going to do about it. The cost is incalculable!” Trump said.

The US President further alleged that Canada had failed to carry out forest management and debris removal, describing it as “willful negligence” and claiming the issue had become an annual occurrence that had caused billions of dollars in losses to the United States.

“The cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying,” he added.

Hundreds of Wildfires Continue to Burn

The comments came as Canada continued to battle nearly 850 active wildfires, with smoke spreading into several parts of the United States.

According to NASA, the active fires include more than 180 in Ontario. Smoke from the blazes has drifted south, leading to air quality alerts across states stretching from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast.

Meanwhile, Politico reported that more than 150 wildfires were also burning in the United States, including several in Michigan.

Health Concerns Over Air Quality

Experts have warned that fine particulate matter carried in wildfire smoke poses health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

According to Politico, the ongoing wildfires in eastern Canada and parts of the US Midwest have been fuelled by a recent record-breaking heatwave across North America, which created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of fires.

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