A Republican lawmaker was called out on Friday for her remarks about Canada's wildfires and smoke — comments critics said overlooked Canada's help fighting California's own fires, the Daily Beast was first to report.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) took to X Thursday to complain about poor air quality as more than 890 fires burned across the Canada and smoke hit the Midwest and Northeast.
“Michiganders shouldn’t have to breathe Canada’s negligence,” she wrote on X. “YEAR AFTER YEAR the smoke crosses the border while Canada does nothing. Stop exporting your smoke into our skies. Enough is enough!”
This comment stands in stark contrast to that made by the Canadian government in January 2025 as wildfires ravaged southern California.
"The Government of Canada and all Canadians express their deep sadness at the devastating wildfires currently impacting southern California," the statement read.
"Team Canada stands ready to reciprocate that support during this time of need.... We have left no stone unturned and are exploring all avenues to offer our support to the people of California."
Social media users were quick to make the MAGA congresswoman aware of this point.
"The most idiotic self centered comment," Dave Mac, a member of the Directors Guild of Canada, wrote on X. "When California was burning who was there ? CANADA "
His comment had nearly 4,000 likes on the platform as of Friday morning.
Other users echoed this comment and mentioned the hypocrisy.
User AJ Punk, a political commentator, struck a sarcastic tone when he wrote on X, "How dare Canada burn their country down and ruin America's summer!"
Progressive commentator David Ro wrote, "When Michigan and Ontario were hit with disastrous Tornados and storms that came From the U.S. mid West. Canada did not complain or threaten the U.S. Instead they sent hundreds of hydro crews to Michigan to get the lights back on. That’s what friends do."