Baghdad: US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Canada by threatening new tariffs, blaming the northern neighbor for air pollution drifting into the northeastern United States. This pollution is affecting areas, including New York, where the World Cup final is set to take place on Sunday, due to rampant wildfires across Canada.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, as of Saturday, Canada is battling 950 active fires, with many still out of control in Ontario, as reported by the Canada Inter-Services Fire Center (CIFFC). Trump, expressing his discontent on Truth Social, described the situation as an “unjustified invasion” of harmful air and announced plans to speak with the Canadian Prime Minister about the issue.

Trump’s tariff threats are based on what he described as Canada’s “willful negligence” in managing the wildfires. He criticized Canada’s efforts in forest preservation and fire prevention, suggesting that a lack of basic operations to manage forest cover has exacerbated the situation.

Eleanor Ojevski, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management, responded by emphasizing the ongoing communication between Canada and the United States, highlighting their history of cooperation in tackling wildfires. She noted that Canada has invested $12 billion in forest protection and fire prevention since 2020.

The smoke has significantly impacted air quality in US cities. Detroit, now enveloped in a yellow haze, has been declared the most polluted city worldwide by tracking website IQAir. Washington and Chicago are also experiencing severe pollution, prompting officials to advise residents to stay indoors.

The World Cup final, featuring Argentina and Spain at an open-air stadium in New Jersey, is under threat from the pollution. The US National Weather Service has warned of potentially worsening conditions over the weekend. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force, assured that organizers are monitoring the situation closely. Fans have been advised to stay indoors or wear masks, as per the official World Cup app.

States closest to the Canadian wildfires, such as Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have reported “hazardous” air quality, forcing residents to wear masks when outside. In New York, free masks are being distributed at stations and offices to help mitigate the health risks posed by the smoke.