4:26 am - March 1, 2025
Donald Trump’s Ongoing Feud with Canada: A Threat to Sovereignty and Trade
In recent weeks, Donald Trump, the former and once again current President of the United States, has turned his attention northward, targeting an unexpected adversary: Canada. Even before officially returning to the White House for his second term, Trump began criticizing Canada for its handling of irregular migration and drug trafficking at its border with the U.S. He also threatened to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports, which experts warn could have devastating consequences for Canada’s economy. In an effort to avoid these measures, Trump floated an audacious idea: Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. During a recent Fox News interview, he reiterated this proposal, escalating a pressure campaign that initially began in December. While the suggestion was met with widespread condemnation, Trump’s rhetoric—and the lingering threat of tariffs—has sparked anxiety and defiance across Canada.
Canada’s Response: Defiance and calls for economic sovereignty
The backlash against Trump’s comments has been fierce. Labour unions, politicians, and ordinary Canadians have condemned the tariffs and the annexation proposal, with many calling for a boycott of American products and a reduction in cross-border travel. There is a growing sentiment that Canada needs to rethink its reliance on U.S. trade and assert its economic sovereignty. Political leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial premiers, have adopted unusually strong language in defending Canada’s interests. Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, described the mood in Canada as a mix of anxiety and defiance. “Canada did not pick this fight,” she said, “but if they’re going to take a punch, they’ll try to give one right back.”
The Trump Effect: A Dominant Force in Canadian Politics
Trump’s threats have come at a particularly volatile time for Canada. The country is grappling with a years-long affordability crisis, with soaring grocery and housing costs fueling public frustration. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced his plans to step down, and a new Liberal Party leader will be chosen in early March. The country is also preparing for a federal election later this year. Despite these domestic challenges, Trump’s actions have become the top political issue in Canada. Daniel Béland, a professor at McGill University, has dubbed this phenomenon “the Trump effect.” He argues that the next election may hinge on which political party and leader Canadians trust to handle Trump and Canada-U.S. relations. This dynamic could reshape the race and influence voters’ perceptions of the leadership needed during this period of crisis.
Politicians Tap into a Wave of Patriotism
The Trump-induced crisis has also sparked a surge in Canadian patriotism. Polls show that the percentage of Canadians who say they are “very proud” of their country has increased by 10 percentage points since December. Meanwhile, support for Canada joining the U.S. has dropped from 6% to 4%. Politicians across the political spectrum have seized on this nationalistic sentiment, framing themselves as defenders of Canadian sovereignty. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal leadership frontrunner Mark Carney are locked in a tight race to be seen as the leader best equipped to confront Trump. Even right-wing premiers like Alberta’s Danielle Smith, who has taken a softer approach to Trump, are navigating the political complexities of this moment.
The Economic Stakes: Canada’s Reliance on U.S. Trade
The stakes for Canada are high, given its deep economic ties with the U.S. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling over $700 billion annually. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, along with the leaders of all 13 Canadian provinces and territories, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Canadian interests and push back against Trump’s tariff threats. Ford emphasized that Canada is “their largest trading partner” and “their number-one customer,” warning that tariffs could harm both countries. Trudeau has echoed this message, stressed the importance of defending Canada’s economic interests, and vowed to respond “in a calibrated but extremely strong way” to any U.S. actions.
Ongoing Tensions and the Road Ahead
Despite a temporary reprieve—Trump agreed to pause certain tariffs for 30 days—the threat remains, and a new U.S. push to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports has reignited concerns. For now, the situation appears to be at a stalemate. However, one thing is clear: Trump’s influence will continue to loom large over Canadian politics in the coming weeks and months. As Béland noted, while most Americans may not think about Canada often, Canadians are increasingly preoccupied with their southern neighbor. The ongoing tension between the two nations serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected—and sometimes contentious—the Canada-U.S. relationship can be.