Trump’s ridiculous bullying of Canada is backfiring
The US president’s need to assert dominance is igniting patriotism abroad and a backlash at home
TL;DR
- Donald Trump has started a trade war with Canada, seen as an attempt to regain dominance after a previous confrontation with Iran.
- Trump's actions, including tariffs and the proposal to rename Lake Ontario, are described as ignorant belligerence and bullying.
- Instead of capitulating, Canada has retaliated with 'dollar for dollar' tariffs, which have boosted support for Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal party.
- The trade war has diminished the prospects of Canadian separatist movements and has faced opposition from 57% of Americans polled.
- Negative reactions are particularly strong in US border states, with Democrats using the tariffs as a campaign issue.