Trump’s appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada

Donald Trump’s second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters, many of whom have been critical of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s border security. As the president-elect makes crucial decisions about his administration, the appointments for foreign policy and border positions are sending signals to Canada and the rest of the world about America’s future direction.

Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University and co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations, noted that there are not many Canadian allies in Trump’s inner circle. Hampson expressed concern that there may not be many friends of Canada in the new administration.

The appointments made by Trump have raised eyebrows in Canada and beyond. Some of the key figures joining Trump’s team have a history of criticizing Trudeau and Canadian policies. For example, Stephen Miller, who will serve as deputy chief of staff for policy, has called Canada “increasingly authoritarian and despotic” and has been critical of Trudeau’s leadership.

Mike Waltz, who has been tapped to be national security adviser, has been vocal in his criticism of Trudeau’s handling of China-related issues. He has also taken aim at Canada’s defense spending, which falls short of NATO targets. Trump’s choice for ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has also criticized Trudeau over the blackface scandal.

Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, will co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has accused Trudeau of trying to crush free speech and has predicted that the prime minister will be ousted in the upcoming election.

On the immigration and border security front, Trump’s appointments have been equally critical of Canada. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, has referred to Canada’s border as a point of vulnerability and has criticized Trudeau. Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, has raised concerns about the Canada-U.S. border and the acceptance of Palestinian refugees.

Despite the criticism from some of Trump’s appointees, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland remains in contact with Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s former trade representative. There are still questions about how Trump’s tariffs will impact Canada, but experts have called for Canada to remain calm and focus on opportunities for collaboration.

In response to the changing landscape, Canada has revived a cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations to ensure that the country’s interests are represented in ongoing negotiations. Trudeau has emphasized the importance of demonstrating that Canada’s interests align with those of the United States, and he remains optimistic about the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship.