United States President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his firm stance on trade, declaring April 2 as “liberation day” for America while threatening to impose “large-scale” retaliatory tariffs on Canada if the country proceeds with countermeasures. Speaking on Friday, Trump expressed both criticism and hope as he addressed ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada trade relations.

“Many countries have taken advantage of the United States. That has to stop,” Trump stated, blaming previous U.S. administrations for failing to address persistent trade imbalances. He emphasized that his administration will act decisively to restore fairness in trade and hold other nations accountable.

Addressing potential fallout with Canada, Trump confirmed that retaliatory tariffs would be enacted should Ottawa introduce its own counter duties. Despite the strong warning, he also struck a more conciliatory tone, noting, “We're gonna end up with a very good relationship with Canada and a lot of the other countries … some we probably won’t … it won’t be so pleasant. Most countries are agreeing with me, many of them have actually apologized.”

The president further revealed that he had a “good call” with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier in the day. “Things are going to work out very well with Canada,” Trump said, expressing hope for positive developments in bilateral economic ties. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed that he would “absolutely” follow through on the imposition of tariffs if Canada decides to proceed with retaliatory trade measures.

Trump’s statements underscore a dual-track strategy of pressure and diplomacy—defending U.S. economic interests while keeping the door open for future cooperation. The April 2 designation as “liberation day” appears to reflect his administration’s commitment to reasserting economic sovereignty through assertive trade policies.

As both countries continue to navigate a complex and evolving trade landscape, Trump’s remarks signal a volatile yet potentially negotiable relationship between Washington and Ottawa. The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether tariffs escalate or give way to renewed trade dialogue.