On May 25, Trump and Trudeau had a dispute during a phone call regarding Washington’s decision to impose steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada based on national security concerns, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the conversation.
Trudeau asked Trump to explain the national security justification, to which the US president replied "Didn't you guys burn down the White House?" according to the report.
Canadian media outlet CBC News said via Twitter on Wednesday that it was able to confirm CNN’s report about the conversation.
On Thursday, Washington announced it would impose a 25-percent tariff on steel imports and 10-percent tariff on aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico, effective June 1. The move came after months of talks on possible limits.
Mexico and Canada responded to the US move with counter-measures. In particular, Ottawa announced it would target US steel, aluminum and other products totaling 16.6 billion Canadian dollars ($12.8 billion). The tariffs will take effect on July 1.
