Vance calls Canada a state in ‘Freudian slip’
Vice President JD Vance called Canada a state in what he is calling a “Freudian slip.”
As America’s trade war with Canada reignited over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance added some fuel to the flames on Aug. 24 with what he described as a “Freudian slip,” calling the North American country “a state.”
Vance’s comments came during a rally in Maine and only hours after President Donald Trump said he was doubling tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts from Canada to 50%, further escalating a trade war that has erupted once again.
“We have to remember Canada is a state — sorry, Freudian slip,” Vance said to laughter from the crowd. “That was actually an accident.”
The 42-year-old vice president went on to claim that Canada would be “invaded by a foreign country” if not for the United States’ protection.
“And so how does Canada actually respond to that — by treating the people of Maine fairly? No, they apply ridiculous tariffs and other non-tariff duties on Maine products coming into Canada,” Vance said. “We’re sick of that. We’re actually going to fight back against unfair trade practices, whether it’s coming from China or Canada.”
Trade tensions
Vance’s comments came after a tumultuous weekend for the United States and Canada that included 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods taking effect just after midnight on Aug. 22.
The tariffs were announced in a July 20 executive order and were initially scheduled to take effect on Aug. 19, but Trump issued a three-day pause, saying the two countries were making a deal.
Both sides blamed the other for dismantling trade negotiations late on Aug. 21.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted to social media on Aug. 21 that he was suspending trade negotiations with the United States and ordering Canadian negotiators to return to Ottawa.
What is being tariffed?
The tariffs apply to just over 5% of Canadian exports to the United States, including on various goods such as wine, dairy, hockey sticks, and cement.
Carney said about $28 billion worth of goods would be tariffed. They do not apply to exempted goods, including energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals.
The tariffs do not qualify for preferential treatment under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free-trade agreement, which shielded much of Canadian goods from earlier U.S. tariffs.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.