Trump’s ridiculous bullying of Canada is backfiring | Robert Reich
In a comment piece, Robert Reich argues that Donald Trump's trade war against Canada is backfiring, having provoked a surge of Canadian patriotism and a domestic political backlash rather than the quick capitulation Trump apparently expected. Reich casts the move as Trump turning to bully a "weaker" target after being humiliated by Iran's forceful response earlier in the year, but suggests the tactic is instead strengthening the resolve of a country he assumed would fold given its economic exposure to the US.
The piece notes that Canadian prime minister Mark Carney's "dollar for dollar" retaliation, targeting industries in politically sensitive US states, has boosted support for his Liberal party, which won three special by-elections on Monday and dented separatist momentum in Quebec and Alberta ahead of votes in October. Domestically, Reich cites a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing 57% of Americans oppose the Canada tariffs and 63% oppose Trump's order renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America", with only 20% backing the higher tariffs, and points to growing unease among Republicans in border states such as Michigan as Carney's countermeasures are due to take effect on 8 September.
In short
- Trump's tariffs on Canada are fuelling Canadian patriotism, not surrender.
- Carney's Liberals gain support after retaliatory tariffs and by-election wins.
- Polls show most Americans oppose the Canada tariffs and Lake Ontario renaming.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the tariffs could argue that the US should use its economic leverage to secure better trade terms and protect domestic industries, even if Canada is a close ally. On this view, targeted pressure and the prospect of retaliation may be part of a negotiating strategy, and short-term political costs do not by themselves show that it has failed.
The case against
Critics could argue that the tariffs impose costs on American businesses and consumers while provoking Canadian retaliation and strengthening opposition to the US. The reported polling and Canadian political response suggest the pressure has not produced quick concessions, while gestures such as renaming a lake risk making the dispute look personal and undermining trust with a neighbour.
Explained simply
Canada and the United States are major trading partners, with goods and materials crossing their shared border in both directions. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods; when one country imposes them, the other can respond with tariffs of its own, raising costs for businesses and consumers.
Donald Trump is the US president, and Mark Carney is Canada’s prime minister. Their governments have clashed over trade, while Canada’s provinces and US states have political interests of their own that can be affected when trade is disrupted.
The dispute matters because it could affect jobs, prices and industries on both sides of the border, as well as relations between the neighbouring countries. It has also become a domestic political issue in both countries, where voters and elected officials may respond to the costs and symbolism of the measures.
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