Canadian Premier says he will shut off power to 1,500,000 customers in America after Trump announced new tariffs
In light of the increased tariffs imposed by Trump, Doug Ford has threatened to turn off the power to 1.5 million customers in the United States.
In the wake of Donald Trump’s controversial new tariffs, a Canadian Premier has issued a bold warning—threatening to cut off power to 1.5 million Americans in retaliation.
As tensions between the two nations escalate, this dramatic move signals that Canada is ready to fight back against what it sees as an economic attack from the White House.
Following his return to the White House in January, President Donald Trump wasted no time reigniting trade tensions, signing off on an order imposing “catastrophic” tariffs aimed at holding China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for what he claims are broken promises to curb the flow of dangerous drugs into the U.S.
The sweeping tariffs include a 25% levy on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods—a move that has already sparked intense backlash.
Trump didn’t stop there. In a provocative statement, the 47th President suggested that Canada’s only way out of the tariffs would be to become the U.S.’s “cherished 51st state.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired back in a statement on Monday (March 3), condemning the tariffs as completely unjustified after the 30-day pause expired.
“Let me be clear—there is no justification for these actions,” Trudeau declared, emphasizing that Canada will not back down in the face of economic pressure.
The White House defended the move, calling it part of Trump’s “bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable” for failing to curb illegal immigration and the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. According to the directive, enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans—a statistic the administration is using to justify its hardline stance.
The directive also pointed to a surge in illegal border crossings from Canada, stating that illegal entries have hit historic highs for the last four consecutive fiscal years.
With tensions mounting, Canada now faces a critical decision—whether to retaliate or seek a diplomatic resolution. However, Trudeau has already signaled that his government will not sit idly by, warning that countermeasures are on the table as the country prepares for an economic standoff with its closest trading partner.
Ford doubled down on his warning, emphasizing Ontario’s critical role in powering U.S. homes and industries. Speaking to NBC, he stated, “We keep the lights on in 1.5 million homes and manufacturing plants across New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.”
His message to Trump was clear: “If he wants to destroy our economy and our families, I will shut down the electricity going into the U.S.”
Reaffirming his stance at a major mining convention in downtown Toronto on Monday, Ford stood firm on his retaliatory measures. According to the Toronto Sun, he reiterated, “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything in my power—including cutting off their energy—with a smile on my face.”
With tensions escalating, Ontario is preparing to escalate its countermeasures in response to the tariffs, signaling a potential trade and energy war between Canada and the U.S.
Ford didn’t mince words as he escalated his warning against the U.S. tariffs, making it clear that Ontario is ready to hit back hard.
“They rely on our energy, and they need to feel the impact,” he asserted. “If they want to come at us with force, we’re going to hit back twice as hard.”
Doubling down, he declared, “That is exactly what we are going to do.”
Ford also emphasized unified provincial resistance against the tariffs, regardless of political leadership at the national level.
“The provinces have a big say in this, but it’s the federal government that’s leading the charge. No matter who is in power, we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder to protect Ontario’s economy.”
