Trump threatens trade with Europe if it makes Canada an associate member of the EU

President Donald Trump called the EU's proposal to make Canada an associate member "laughable" and threatened tariffs on Europe. Artur Widak/Anadolu/Getty Images President Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on the EU if it makes Canada its first associate member. Europe and Canada want ties that go beyond trade, covering tech, energy, security, and the Arctic. Canada is also applying to join a British-led military coalition as it strengthens European ties. President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to retaliate against Europe if the European Union follows through on a proposal to make Canada its first associate member. The plan, floated earlier in the day by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, would deepen the EU's ties with Canada beyond their existing trade agreement.