Donald Trump Issues Threat To Canada Over 'Statehood of Palestine' Move

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Canada, saying its decision to support Palestinian statehood could jeopardize ongoing trade talks between Washington and Ottawa.

In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump responded to remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who confirmed Canada’s intent to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Trump wrote:

“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”

The statement comes just days before an August 1 deadline Trump set for finalizing a new U.S.-Canada trade agreement. Without a deal, Trump has said he would impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods. His comments signal that Canada’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict may now factor into future economic policy decisions.

Carney defended his government's stance, citing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a reason for the move. “The reality on the ground—the starvation and suffering—means that the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes,” he said in a statement. Carney also confirmed that any recognition would depend on reforms within the Palestinian Authority and the exclusion of Hamas from future elections.

Canada is one of several Western nations reconsidering their approach to Palestinian statehood in the wake of the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack in October 2023. Since then, Israel has carried out a sustained military campaign in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, many of them children, while aid groups have warned of an accelerating famine.

France recently became the first G7 country to officially recognize Palestine as a state, while the UK has also indicated it may follow suit unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and commits to a long-term peace process. Ireland, Spain, and Norway already took that step in 2024.

Trump, who has voiced support for Israel throughout the conflict, has also acknowledged the worsening conditions in Gaza. “There is real starvation,” he said this week, urging Israel to allow more food aid into the region. However, he maintains that recognizing a Palestinian state would amount to “rewarding Hamas” and has said he does not support such a move.

Israel’s government strongly condemned Canada’s announcement. In a statement, its foreign ministry said:

“The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages.”

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports growing evidence of widespread starvation in Gaza. Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna warned that existing humanitarian efforts, including aid drops, are insufficient. “These are political barriers, not logistical ones. And they are preventing food from reaching those who need it most,” she said.

As hunger-related deaths rise and international divisions deepen, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Israeli officials to discuss aid access and diplomatic efforts.

With the trade deadline looming and tensions high, Trump’s response to Canada’s position could shape not only the future of U.S.-Canada relations but also the broader geopolitical debate over Middle East peace.