Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities

What the report says

BBC World News reported that US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Canada after widespread wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes drifted into northern US cities, prompting health alerts and political pressure. The BBC said Trump accused Canada on Truth Social of negligence in managing forests and brush, and said he would contact Prime Minister Mark Carney for an explanation. The report was published on 17 July 2026 and updated the following day.

According to the BBC, Canadian wildfire data showed about 955 active fires as of Saturday, most of them not under control, including more than 190 in Ontario. Nearly 3 million hectares had burned in Canada, while smoke affected states including Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. The article cited IQAir data saying Detroit had the world’s worst air quality on Friday, with other major US cities also badly affected.

The dispute added to already strained US-Canada relations over trade. Republican lawmakers from Michigan accused Canada of failing to act and raised the possibility of more direct US involvement in cross-border fire protection. Ontario Premier Doug Ford rejected the criticism and urged US officials to send firefighting support instead, saying Ontario had more than 150 crews and over 80 water bombers and helicopters deployed. BBC also reported that Michigan and Massachusetts had offered assistance.

Carney said both countries share responsibility for climate change, and Canada’s emergency management minister emphasized long-standing cooperation with the US on wildfire response. Scientists cited by BBC Verify said smoke crosses borders with wind patterns, remote fires are difficult to contain, and hotter, drier conditions linked to climate change are worsening wildfire seasons.