Trump urges Canada to curb wildfires after smoke reaches U.S. during World Cup final

President Donald Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that smoke from wildfires in Canada was affecting air quality in the United States, saying the air was "being poisoned." Trump recounted the conversation to reporters after returning from the World Cup final in New York, adding that the United States might consider tariffs or damages if the situation persisted. > "We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests and brush, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air," Trump wrote on his social-media platform.

The wildfires, sparked by a thunderstorm on July 6 that produced over 1,000 lightning strikes across Canada and northern Minnesota, have burned nearly 69,000 acres and continue to generate smoke that has drifted southward, prompting health warnings in several U.S. cities. The smoke prompted temporary disruptions during the Spain-Argentina World Cup final until rain cleared the air.

Canadian officials responded by emphasizing cooperation. U.S. ambassador to Canada Peter Hoekstra said the two governments are sharing information in real time to address the fires. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, at a press conference, urged the United States to increase its commitment to combating climate change, stating that "climate change is everyone's responsibility, including the U.S."

Trump's remarks came alongside support from some U.S. politicians, while others, such as the ambassador, highlighted the bilateral partnership. No public tension was observed between the leaders at the match, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time.