Canada faces growing uncertainty as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and continues to joke about annexing Canada as the “51st state.” Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton described Canada’s position as “difficult,” citing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and an impending leadership change within the Liberal Party.
Tariff Threats Loom Large
Trump’s tariff ultimatum hinges on Canada addressing cross-border issues, including illegal drug and migrant flows. Canadian officials are preparing a retaliatory list targeting U.S. products like steel and Florida orange juice, though no resolution has been reached.
Bolton warned that the likelihood of tariffs being imposed is “very substantial,” adding that Trump often pursues policies without a clear connection between his stated reasons and his actual intentions. “He doesn’t understand how tariffs work,” Bolton noted, though he believes Trump’s fondness for them will drive his decisions.
Trudeau Responds to Annexation Comments
Trump has escalated rhetoric about annexing Canada, suggesting it would improve national security and economic stability. Trudeau swiftly dismissed the remarks, tweeting, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.” In a CNN interview, he called Trump’s comments a distraction tactic to divert attention from the economic impact of tariffs.
“American consumers would see the cost of oil, gas, electricity, steel, aluminum, lumber, and concrete skyrocket if these tariffs move forward,” Trudeau told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
Border Security Plan Unveiled
In response to Trump’s concerns, Canada announced a $1.3 billion border security plan. However, the incoming Trump administration has yet to offer assurances that tariffs can be avoided.
Bolton’s Perspective on Trump and Canada
Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, downplayed the annexation remarks as trolling, noting Trump’s longstanding dislike of Trudeau since the 2018 Charlevoix G7 summit. Referring to Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau,” Bolton said Trump enjoys taking jabs at the outgoing prime minister.
Bolton also criticized Trump’s tariff fixation, stating, “Nobody yet has figured out a way to talk him out of it.” Despite this, Bolton dismissed the annexation threats, advising Canadians not to take them seriously.
What’s Next for Canada?
With Trudeau’s resignation and a general election on the horizon, Canada faces heightened economic and political challenges. As the Liberal Party prepares to choose a new leader by March 9, the incoming government will need to navigate a precarious trade relationship with the U.S. while countering Trump’s unpredictable policies.
