It is a moment etched into America’s collective memory – when Britain took a torch to the White House in 1814.

But according a private conversation which leaked to CNN, Donald Trump thinks another close ally was behind the famous blaze.

The US president reportedly blamed Canada for the fire in a testy phone call this week about his new tariffs with Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister.

Mr Trudeau has opposed Mr Trump’s steel and aluminium sanctions and questioned America’s claim that they are needed in the interests of national security.

Rebuffing the criticism down the line, Mr Trump reportedly shot back: “Didn't you guys burn down the White House?"

The historical faux pas could be explained by the fact that the act was in retaliation to America’s attack on York, Ontario – a British colony that eventually became Canada.