Trump’s Canada Tariff Dispute Urges Allies to Strengthen Defense
Donald Trump is fully aware of his strategy regarding tariffs.
Many are left wondering: What prompted the president to impose significant taxes on imports from Canada, along with those from Mexico and China?
There’s a clear motive for America to economically distance itself from China, a nation that poses a serious challenge.
By beginning with tariffs on Mexican imports, then temporarily halting them, Trump successfully got Mexico to come to the negotiation table on his conditions.
This tactic has led to quick results regarding illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl and other drugs: President Claudia Sheinbaum is now deploying 10,000 troops to enhance security on Mexico’s border.
She has a month to deliver results and negotiate a more comprehensive, lasting agreement with the United States, or risk tariffs being reinstated in March.
What about the Yukon cartels and the Canadian Communist Party? Hold on, what?
What issues could justify a hefty 25% tariff on Canadian goods?
Similar to Mexico, Canada has 30 days to resolve these tariff concerns with the US before they are enforced.
But what are Trump’s demands? There’s more at stake than just our northern border.
He has teased Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the notion of Canada becoming our 51st state.
However, it’s hard to envision tariffs severe enough to accomplish what two wars couldn’t over the past 200+ years.
America attempted to take Canada during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, hoping that Canadians would rise up against their government and embrace American rights and liberties.
Nonetheless, a fundamental part of Canadian identity stems from the pro-British Tories who chose to flee the American colonies rather than join the revolution.
Even Canadian conservatives, including the one most likely to defeat the Liberal Party in the next election, Pierre Poilievre, are not interested in becoming Americans.
They’re fervently outraged by the tariffs, and they risk political peril if Canadians rally around the Liberal government as the defender of their sovereignty and national pride.
But Trump understands all of this.
His threat of tariffs is aimed at embarrassing Trudeau — and setting the stage for negotiations with our northern neighbor, much like he has with China and Mexico.
At times, showing toughness is the best approach one can take for a friend.
Canada has historically been lax about fulfilling its security commitments, both to its citizens and NATO allies.
NATO allies are expected to allocate at least 2% of their GDP toward defense.
However, Canada only managed to spend a mere 1.37% last year, with Trudeau assuring allies that they would reach the 2% target by 2032.
This hardly reflects a leader who regards his nation’s security as a priority, especially concerning support for friends amid wars near their borders.
Until now, Canadian leaders have been content to let America shoulder the security responsibility — prompting Trump to question why the US should pay for protection over land that isn’t theirs.
His firm stance with Trudeau sends a signal to Europe, where NATO members are beginning to meet their 2% minimum contributions, albeit just barely.
For instance, Germany was allocating around 1.3% for defense in 2023 and barely crossed above the 2% threshold last year, despite NATO facing its most significant challenge since the Cold War with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In today’s world, America can no longer afford to be exploited by allies any more than it can be complacent about threats from Chinese expansion or instability in Mexico.
Trump’s approach is to utilize non-violent — albeit uncomfortable — means to alter the behavior of both friends and adversaries for the sake of American security.
No doubt, he considers “tariff” to be a wonderful word; Trump is unapologetically a fan of tariffs.
Yet, above all, he is a deal-maker.
These tariffs can be avoided, should the other side be willing to negotiate an agreement that prioritizes America’s interests.
After all, engaging in trade with America benefits everyone, from China to Mexico to Canada — we offer something essential but aren’t receiving enough in return.
Trump aims to shift that balance, using tariffs as a formidable instrument.
His strategy could even facilitate the return of jobs and supply chains to America before tariffs come into effect: US companies, anxious about impending tariffs, might feel compelled to relocate production to the US and focus more on the domestic market.
Moreover, American businesses that rely on foreign imports have ample motivation to start alleviating their dependencies by sourcing alternative components that won’t be subject to tariffs.
Trump knows how to secure victories in trade disputes even before they escalate.
Daniel McCarthy is the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review and editor-at-large of The American Conservative.