Donald John Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, in office since January 20, 2017. Before entering politics, he was a businessman and television personality.

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By ELI MEIXLER

2:15 AM EDT

President Trump seems to have fumbled on historical accuracy during a fraught phone call about trade with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau late last month, reportedly asking his northern counterpart, “Didn’t you guys burn down the White House?”

CNN reports that sources familiar with the conversation said Trump was responding to Trudeau’s query over how trade tariffs could be justified as a “national security” issue. Canadian broadcaster CBC also confirmed that the conversation took place.

But Trump’s quip, an apparent reference to the War of 1812, was erroneous; it was in fact the British who set the residence and other sites ablaze in 1814, in retaliation for an American attack on York, Ontario, which at the time was a British colony. Canada did not become a nation until 1867.

Canada announced plans to impose reciprocal duties on $12.8 billion worth of U.S. products. “That Canada could be considered a national security threat to the United States is inconceivable,” Trudeau said, according to the Associated Press.

The White House declined to comment, according to CNN.

Office
Date announced / confirmedDesigneeOffice
Date announced / confirmedDesignee
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Mike Pence
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Secretary of State
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