Trump says Trudeau ‘trying to use’ tariff fight ‘to stay in power’

President Trump said that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is trying to use the escalating trade war as a way to stay in power after the two leaders spoke on Wednesday about Trump’s newly implemented tariffs.

“Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped. He said that it’s gotten better, but I said, ‘That’s not good enough,’” Trump said on Truth Social.

The president added the call was partially cordial, before knocking Trudeau, who announced his intent to resign in January.

“The call ended in a ‘somewhat’ friendly manner! He was unable to tell me when the Canadian Election is taking place, which made me curious, like, what’s going on here? I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power. Good luck Justin!” Trump said.

The president had previously delayed implementation of the 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico by a month as the result of negotiations with Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during which both countries agreed to more measures to secure their borders. Trump on Monday said there was no room for more dealmaking before he hit both countries with tariffs at midnight.

Trump on Tuesday threatened to add additional taxes on Canada if the U.S.’s northern neighbor retaliates with its own, after Trudeau called out Trump in an address, calling the tariffs "dumb," and defending Canada's retaliatory tariffs, at one point speaking directly to Americans.

“We don’t want this," Trudeau said Tuesday. "We want to work with you as a friend and ally, and we don’t want to see you hurt either, but your government has chosen to do this to you,” he said, later adding, “They have chosen to launch a trade war that will, first and foremost, harm American families.”

Later on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Trump may announce a compromise with Canada and Mexico after he spoke to officials from the two countries.

Lutnick said on Fox News Wednesday that Trump is "leaning toward" excluding, for one month, parts of Canada and Mexico currently covered by Trump's 2018 trade deal with the neighboring countries.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing Thursday afternoon that automakers would be exempted from the tariffs for a month.