Donald Trump is trying to ‘humiliate’ Justin Trudeau with Canada jokes, ex-Trump adviser says

When Donald Trump jokes that Canada could become the 51st state and refers to Justin Trudeau as a governor rather than prime minister, it’s all part of an effort to “humiliate” the Canadian leader, according to a former senior Trump adviser. John Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser, says that Trump is simply being mean and trying to get a laugh at Trudeau’s expense.

Having worked closely with Trump during his first term, Bolton is familiar with the president-elect’s strategies and mindset. He believes that Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming a U.S. state are intended to provoke Trudeau and make him feel uncomfortable. Bolton, who is now a Trump critic, emphasizes that Trump’s behavior shouldn’t be over-intellectualized – it’s simply a case of the president-elect being mean-spirited.

Trump’s comments about Canada potentially becoming a state have garnered mixed reactions, with some finding humor in his remarks. Republican Senator Josh Hawley even suggested the idea of splitting Canada into two states, one Republican and one Democrat, to balance the political landscape. However, Bolton warns that Canada should focus on appealing to Trump’s ego and highlighting how avoiding tariffs could benefit the president-elect, rather than emphasizing the potential harm to U.S.-Canadian relations.

While some Republican senators believe that Trump’s tariff threats against Canada are serious and may be enacted, others view his comments as mere posturing. Bolton cautions that Trump’s fixation on tariffs may lead to increased costs for American consumers, as tariffs are ultimately paid by importers and passed on to consumers. Despite efforts to educate Trump on the economic impacts of tariffs, Bolton believes that the president-elect is unlikely to change his stance.

In response to Trump’s provocative statements, Canadian officials are urged to avoid getting involved in U.S. domestic politics and to focus on addressing Trump’s demands to prevent a trade war. While Trump’s rhetoric may be unsettling, it’s important for Canada to remain vigilant and prepared to navigate potential challenges in the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade relationship.