U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (September 16) dismissed as "laughable" the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union's first associate member, warning he would impose steep tariffs on Europe or curb trade if he viewed any such move as a hostile act.

His comments came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU's first "associate member," while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa was seeking a "unique alliance" with the bloc, not membership.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 16, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WALKING TOWARDS MEDIA

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"No, I think it's laughable. Look, the whole thing with Canada, Canada's been a terrible trade partner. And, no, I don't see that. And if they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things. And so if they do that, if Europe does that with a bad intention, if it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. TRUMP LEAVING