内容摘要：But the shock resignation of Trudeau's key deputy, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in mid-December - when she cited his perceived failure to not take Trump's threats seriously - proved to be the final straw.

But the shock resignation of Trudeau's key deputy, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in mid-December - when she cited his perceived failure to not take Trump's threats seriously - proved to be the final straw.

The European Union said it would react "firmly and immediately against unjustified tariffs".Trump's appearance sparked questions about his trade plans, as he also appeared to raise the possibility that looming tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, set to come into force on 4 March, might be postponed again.

An administration official later said the deadline remained in place, with the president planning to review Mexico and Canada actions related to border security over the coming days.Trump made clear on Wednesday that trade with Europe also remained in his sights, repeating his criticism of European policies, which he said put American exporters of food products and cars at a disadvantage."The European Union was formed to screw the United States - that's the purpose of it and they've done a good job of it," he said. "But now I'm president."

The EU rejected the president's claims, saying the creation of a regional market had made doing business in Europe easier for American firms."It has been a boon for the United States," a spokesperson for the commission said. "We're ready to partner if you play by the rules. But we will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us."

Tariffs are a tax on imports that is collected by the government and paid for by the companies bringing in the goods.

Trump has vowed to use the levies to boost US manufacturing, raise money and push other countries to change policies he opposes.Earlier on Sunday, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said it was not "unusual for people to have passes to attend political meetings".

A No 10 source confirmed Lord Alli held a garden reception during the brief time he had a pass, but declined to say why he had one, or when or why he gave it up.The TV executive was appointed to the House of Lords by Tony Blair in 1998 and has recently led fundraising for the Labour Party, as well as donating to individuals including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Asked about the Sunday Times report during an appearance on Sky News on Sunday, Mr McFadden said: "I don't think he's got the pass now but he may have had one in the past."Tory shadow paymaster general John Glen MP said it was "disappointing" to see Labour "only attempting to act on their culture of cronyism after feeling the pressure in the media".