Tensions are flaring between the United States and Canada as President Donald Trump continues to refer to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” while doubling down on his pledge to impose steep tariffs on the U.S.’s northern neighbor. The latest volley came amid the surprise departure of Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who had been spearheading efforts to dissuade the Trump administration from its protectionist trade stance.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late Monday night, Trump weighed in on Freeland’s exit, accusing her of “totally toxic” behavior that stood in the way of a trade deal between the two countries. The president-elect provided no evidence for his claims. Freeland, a former journalist who had taken a hard line against Trump’s “America First” policies, had reportedly clashed with Trudeau over the best approach to the mercurial U.S. leader.
Governor Gaffe Redux
Most striking in Trump’s social media broadside was his use of “governor” to describe Trudeau – the second time he has used that title for the Canadian prime minister in recent weeks. It’s an odd choice of nomenclature for the leader of a country, and one that suggests a misunderstanding of Canada’s system of government on Trump’s part. Trudeau, who has made overtures to work with the incoming administration, including dining with the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago resort, has not commented on the governor gaffes.
Trade Tensions Mounting
Hanging ominously over the war of words are the tariffs Trump has threatened to levy on Canadian imports. In comments to reporters at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, the president-elect was unequivocal:
“We lose a lot of money to Canada, tremendous amount. Tariffs will make our country rich.”
– President-elect Donald Trump
Trudeau’s government, while stressing the importance of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship, has vowed to respond in kind if tariffs are imposed. But with Freeland, a key player in crafting that response, now out of the picture, it remains to be seen if the Canadians can present a united front.
Crucial Juncture for Both Countries
The escalating tensions come at a sensitive time for both countries:
- The U.S. is grappling with high inflation and a potential recession in 2024.
- Canada is facing its own economic headwinds and a domestic political scandal.
- Supply chains linking the North American neighbors remain fragile in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With so much at stake, observers are closely watching to see if cooler heads can prevail in the months ahead. But with two mercurial, nationalist-leaning leaders exchanging barbs and threats, the prospect of a mutually damaging trade war cannot be ruled out. As one Canada-U.S. relations expert put it to me:
“It’s like watching two trains heading towards each other on the same track. Both sides think they can win a game of chicken, but the economic debris could be catastrophic.”
– Unnamed Canada-U.S. relations expert
For now, Trump seems more than willing to take that risk. And with Trudeau down a key ally in Freeland and facing pressure within his own Liberal party to stand up to the U.S. bully, Canada may have no choice but to brace for impact. Amid the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the U.S.-Canada relationship is heading into uncharted, and potentially perilous, waters.
