The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has been ordered to halt all cooperation with Canadian authorities as the trade dispute escalates. Lynda Marshall, head of the division’s international section, issued the directive without explanation, according to emails obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
Antitrust Division Orders Pause on Canadian Work
Marshall ordered officials on Wednesday to stop all case work and policy engagement with Canadian counterparts, a move confirmed by internal emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. No rationale was provided for the sudden directive.
Section chiefs were told on Friday to compile lists of all areas where the division cooperates with Canada and submit them by day’s end, according to the email. The request aims to map ongoing collaborations before any further action is taken.
The DOJ pushed back, stating in a formal statement that the alleged direction was never given to anyone and that the division was only asked to temporarily hold off on a scheduled meeting until its antitrust team could better prepare.
Trade Tensions Rise Over Lake Ontario Rename
The escalation follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America,” a move that adds symbolic weight to the widening trade war. The rename applies only to U.S. federal usage, but it underscores growing friction between the two nations.
Tariffs covering tens of billions of dollars in cross‑border trade have been imposed, intensifying economic pressure on both sides. The duties were introduced after Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, reigniting long‑standing disputes.
Canada Responds with Retaliatory Tariffs
Ottawa announced it will impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting September 8, targeting about $20 billion worth of products amid a 50% levy on Canadian exports. The measures are intended to counter the U.S. tariffs that took effect last month.
Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Canada will match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar to protect workers, farmers, families and businesses. The Wall Street Journal and Reuters contributed to this report.
