Topline
President Donald Trump said he would increase tariffs against Canada over the wildfire smoke causing poor air quality in some parts of the U.S., though it’s unclear exactly what mechanism or authority he will use to tax Canada for the pollution.
The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol building as smoke from wildfires in Canada fills the air on July 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Trump accused Canada of “not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush,” and said the U.S. is “being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air” in a Truth Social post Friday.
He said the “cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying.”
It’s unclear how Trump would tax Canada for the smoke as tariffs can only be imposed on physical goods.
Trump said he would call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to “find out what they are going to do” about the wildfires and air quality.
Tangent
Most Canadian imports to the U.S. are subject to a 10% tariff, with the exception of goods covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement. Canadian-made automobiles, steel and aluminum are taxed at 25%.
What To Watch For
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was expected to meet with Trump on Friday at Trump Tower in New York to discuss the health hazards the wildfire smoke could pose for the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.
Key Background
At least 122 wildfires in Canada remained “out of control” as of Friday, according to the Canadian government, which reported 888 active wildfires. Health alerts have been issued due to air quality concerns from the smoke across much of the northeastern U.S. and Great Lakes region. Republican lawmakers have also threatened to penalize Canada for the fires, including Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who said he would introduce legislation to sanction Canada and its government, accusing it of failing “to invest in wildfire prevention methods.”
further reading
White House And FIFA Chief Will Meet Over World Cup’s Wildfire Smoke Concerns (Forbes)
Air Quality Alerts In 19 States As Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spreads South (Forbes)
Entire States Under Air Quality Alerts As Wildfire Smoke Spreads—Here’s Where It Could Go Next (Forbes)