Trump wants to go back to 1913. Canadians and Americans will suffer the consequences

Canadians have taken Donald Trump’s threats of trade action very personally, as they should. The United States’ decision to launch a trade war against Canada, its closest partner and ally, has left many Canadians feeling betrayed and abandoned. However, it’s important to recognize that Canada is far from alone in facing the wrath of the current U.S. administration.

The treatment of Ukraine by the American president, along with the larger withholding of foreign aid, demonstrates that the welfare of other nations and their people is not a top priority for the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted this fact in his recent speech, pointing out the absurdity of Trump’s actions in launching a trade war with Canada while attempting to appease Vladimir Putin, a known dictator.

The official American explanation for imposing tariffs on Canada has been linked to the issue of fentanyl, a deadly drug that has crossed the border and caused harm on both sides. However, the justification for these tariffs based on fentanyl has been flimsy at best, with only a small percentage of fentanyl seizures actually originating from Canada. Despite efforts by Canadian officials to address the issue, it has become clear that the tariffs are not truly about fentanyl.

Trudeau suggested that Trump’s real intentions may be to see a collapse of the Canadian economy, perhaps as a precursor to annexation. While this may seem like an extreme assertion, it is a more plausible explanation than the fentanyl justification. Trump’s history of supporting tariffs and his desire to see a return to protectionist policies further support this theory.

The Canadian response to the tariffs has been unified, with retaliatory measures being enacted. Canadian products, including alcohol, are being removed from American shelves in response. The upcoming federal election will likely focus heavily on how to navigate the current trade war and protect Canada’s economy.

Trudeau urged Canadians to stay strong in the face of these challenges and emphasized the importance of unity. He also directed his remarks to Americans, highlighting the potential negative consequences that Trump’s actions could have on the U.S. economy. Ultimately, the restraint of an American president may only come from the American people themselves, as they feel the impact of escalating trade tensions. Canadians can play a role in ensuring that Americans understand the repercussions of these actions and push back against harmful policies. In the end, it may be the voices of Americans that have the most power in influencing the decisions of their government.