Peter Navarro, one of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade advisers, issued a direct threat to Canada during remarks at an economic conference in Washington on Tuesday. "Memo to Canada: You cannot do that," Navarro said, telling Canadian lobbyists on K Street—Washington's hub for lobbying firms—to "get the hell out of our country" and warning that "if you interfere in our elections in Maine or Michigan you will pay even more dearly."
Navarro's comments signal escalating friction over Canada's approach to U.S. trade policy. He criticized Ottawa's strategy of leaning on American labor and business groups to influence negotiations, a tactic Canada used during talks that led to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement in Trump's first term. Since Trump returned to the White House in early 2025, Canadian provinces have also hired representatives to advocate for their interests during ongoing trade discussions in Washington.
The tensions come as a U.S. ban on certain Canadian imports took effect at midnight on Tuesday, affecting key industries including alcohol, dairy, and motorcycles. Trump signed the executive order in response to Canada's retaliatory tariffs following the collapse of trade talks in August. The White House justified the measure by saying Canada's restrictions on U.S. alcohol, autos, and dairy products put American exporters at a disadvantage.
When asked about Navarro's remarks at a press conference in Vancouver, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney laughed and said he had "no response" to the warning. Navarro said he "loves" the Canadian people but has harbored no goodwill toward Canadian negotiators since 2016.