Obama criticizes Trump’s tariff war with Canada at U.S. midterm rallies
Former U.S. President Barack Obama criticized current President Donald Trump's trade policies and tariffs against Canada during a campaign rally. Obama argued that the tariffs are harming the U.S. economy, particularly in the automotive sector.
Why it matters
Highlights the role of international trade disputes as a central issue in upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama at a campaign rally in Detroit on Saturday. Paul Sancya/The Associated Press
Former U.S. president Barack Obama took aim at Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods Saturday during an impassioned speech at a Democrat campaign rally in Detroit ahead of next month’s U.S. midterm elections.
During a speech supporting Democratic candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, Obama mocked the current president’s tariff war with its northern neighbour while jokingly referring to Canada as a “well-known evil empire.”
“That historical adversary of ours, Canada,” he said sarcastically. “It’s your neighbour. It’s a few minutes’ drive over the bridge.”
The former president says Trump has upset Canadians through his abuse of the country and talks of making it the 51 st state.
“These are the people who gave us Martin Short and maple syrup,” he said. “They are the nicest people.”
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