Trump says Canada recognizing Palestinian state would reward Hamas

US President Donald Trump has criticized Canada’s decision to back Palestinian statehood, arguing that such recognition would effectively reward Hamas, according to a White House official.

The remarks came shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his government plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations this September.

"As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded," a White House official told reporters on Wednesday, requesting anonymity. "So he is not going to do that. President Trump’s focus is on getting people fed (in Gaza)."

The official declined to confirm whether the Canadian government had given Washington prior notice before Carney’s announcement.

Trump followed up on the development with a post on his Truth Social platform early Thursday, hinting at potential strain in US-Canada trade talks.

"Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!" he wrote.