Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities The US president has escalated tensions with Canada by threatening new tariffs after a surge in wildfires has blanketed northern US cities in smoke. Trump accused Canada of "willful negligence" for failing to manage its forests, citing the spread of hazardous air quality across multiple states. The dispute has reignited debates over cross-border environmental responsibility and trade relations between the two nations. As of Saturday, 955 wildfires were burning in Canada, with over 190 active in Ontario, many out of control. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System reported that nearly 3 million hectares of land have been scorched, with smoke spreading across the US Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Great Lakes. Air quality alerts have led to the cancellation of outdoor events, with Detroit ranking as the worst in the world for pollution, followed by Chicago, Washington DC, and New York. Trump's comments on Truth Social framed the crisis as a direct attack on American citizens, accusing Canada of "not properly maintaining" its forests. He vowed to call Prime Minister Mark Carney to demand accountability, echoing calls from Republican lawmakers to make Canada the 51st US state. The rhetoric has sparked backlash in Canada, with Premier Doug Ford condemning the "shameful" accusations and emphasizing that the two nations have a history of mutual aid during disasters. Ford highlighted Canada's past support for US wildfires in California and hurricane relief in North Carolina, stating, "You don't get on and start threatening and criticising because guess what? One day it's going to be your turn." Canadian officials have defended their efforts, noting investments of over C$12 billion in forest sustainability and fire prevention.#trump #canada #mark_carney #john_james #doug_ford
Aric Nesbitt Withdraws from Michigan Governor Race, Backs John James Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, a Republican from Porter Township, officially ended his campaign for governor on June 22, 2026, and endorsed U.S. Representative John James, R-Shelby Township, as his preferred candidate for the GOP gubernatorial primary. His decision came just hours after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed James, marking a significant shift in the race. Nesbitt’s announcement, delivered via an email to supporters, emphasized unity under Trump’s leadership and a focus on defeating Democratic opponents in the November general election. “It’s time to unite,” he wrote, urging former backers to rally behind James for a Republican victory. Nesbitt’s exit followed a period of declining poll numbers and fundraising challenges. Unlike other Republican candidates, he had no prior experience running a statewide campaign, which may have contributed to his struggles. His departure left James to face former Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson in the August 4 primary. The race now centers on whether James can consolidate support amid competing claims of being the best choice to secure a Trump-aligned victory. The endorsement of James by Trump intensified pressure on remaining candidates. Earlier in June, former House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, had also withdrawn from the race and endorsed James, arguing that Trump’s backing guarantees a win. Leonard’s post on X urged Republicans to unite behind James, stating, “Now is the time for Republicans to unite behind his candidacy and focus on winning in November.#donald_trump #john_james #aric_nesbitt #michigan_governor_race #michigan_democratic_party
Trump Endorses John James for Michigan Governor, Boosting His Primary Bid President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James for Michigan governor on Monday, a move that significantly elevates James’s prospects in the August 4 primary election. The endorsement, announced via Truth Social, positions James, a Republican congressman from Shelby Township, as the frontrunner in the GOP race for the state’s top political office. Trump also backed Michael Bouchard for the 10th Congressional District and Amir Hassan for the 8th Congressional District, further solidifying his influence within the party. James, a second-term congressman and former Senate candidate, has long been a Trump ally, but some Michigan Republicans had speculated that Trump preferred him to seek reelection in his House district rather than run for governor. Trump’s endorsement, however, dismissed those claims, effectively ending the debate. The decision also weakened the campaigns of other Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Aric Nesbitt, Michigan Senate Minority Leader, who ended his campaign hours after Trump’s announcement. Nesbitt, who had been polling last in the race, pledged to support James, stating, “A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite.” The remaining GOP contenders for governor are former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia and businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills. Cox, who has framed his campaign as a fight against “elites,” vowed to continue his bid despite the endorsement, declaring, “I look forward to being President Trump’s favorite governor when I win.” Johnson, meanwhile, criticized Trump’s advice, arguing that endorsements alone do not determine outcomes.#trump #michigan #truth_social #john_james #shelby_township
