# The United States Declares Economic War on Canada **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [February 1, 2025, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734 "2025-02-01T21:16:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/121 "2025-02-02T07:37:22Z")
As a parenthetical note, because it might be of interest to people, I’ll add the observation that this madness isn’t really being covered very well in the European press. My company held a “celebrating the new year” all-employee dinner last night, and as I’m the only American on staff, everyone at my table wanted my perspective on current events. They were flabbergasted when I explained the extent of Trump’s assault on, and apparent intentions for, Canada. They hadn’t heard about any of it. The European news, perhaps understandably, is focused on Trump’s attacks on the international order with respect to European concerns — at the moment, primarily, the possibility that he orders the invasion and annexation of Greenland, and his allies’ active meddling in German politics. I explained “flooding the zone” to them, and how it’s designed to numb and confuse the typical casual observer. You have to make an active, conscious effort to pay attention to everything if you want the full picture of what’s happening. And, for now, the European media are treating issues internal to North America as a lower priority. It’s being covered, sure, in the print channels. But the potential that American troops will soon be firing on Danish soldiers is the headline, and on TV, only the headlines get air time. So good luck, Canada. There’s such an enormous avalanche of bullshit that’s scrambling everyone’s attention that you’re unlikely to get much international assistance in this conflict. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/122 "2025-02-02T08:35:25Z")
It’s been a very weird week for this American to be sworn in as a Canadian citizen. We’ve been planning a road trip to Canada in the spring to celebrate, but I am a bit worried how we will be received ( **Tom\_Scud** only has a U.S. passport, after all, and we would be driving a car with U.S. plates.) Let’s just say that at least for the moment, I’m not booking anything nonrefundable. It’s all so completely stupid and pointless, and I’d be saying that even if I didn’t just become Canadian. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/123 "2025-02-02T08:53:52Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > They were flabbergasted when I explained the extent of Trump’s assault on, and apparent intentions for, Canada. Direct them to the CBC, CTV, the Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star. All available online. Canadian sources all, but I’d be sure that the BBC would be covering as well. At this point, I wouldn’t trust any American news sources for straight factual news. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/124 "2025-02-02T09:50:42Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I think #3 is the most likely reason. It’s almost some sort of manufactured grievance about how NAFTA or its successor gave the US a raw deal. Which probably means that it wasn’t completely advantageous to the US at Mexico and Canada’s expense, if the way he’s been shown to think in his last term is any evidence. His last term? No, that is way Trump has thought/operate _his entire life._ To him, you’re only winning if you are crushing the “opposition”, whether that’s engaging in his first real estate deal or running the United States. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/125 "2025-02-02T10:32:00Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > This American is totally on Canada’s side. The US, today, deserves every bad thing that’s coming. Yeah, I’ll suffer too, but I can remain strong as I watch this fucktard’s plans blow up in his face and the faces of his deplorables. This American totally agrees with the above. Yeah, it’s going to hurt me, and it will be doubly bad because I sure as hell didn’t vote for the Cheeto in Chief, but sucks to be us. Canada (and Mexico) absolutely needs to act in their own best interest. ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/126 "2025-02-02T10:33:42Z")
In the 1980s it was said Canada could resist a U.S. military invasion for a few minutes at best; I doubt it’s better today. He just needs some Proud Boys to plant a bomb somewhere in North Dakota, and claim it’s Canada attacking. Well-meaning people in both countries keep repeating “well surely the military commanders would object!”. I don’t like having my chances hang on the collapse of the U.S. military chain of command. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/127 "2025-02-02T10:43:58Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Why 25% against Canada and Mexico but only ten percent against China? Maybe he meant to say “and 10% more on China” , i.e. 35%, but he screwed up. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/128 "2025-02-02T11:04:11Z")
I don’t know about the rest of Europe, but the US/Canadian situation is headline news on the BBC this morning with speculation and analysis on their website. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/129 "2025-02-02T11:59:36Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > > Why 25% against Canada and Mexico but only ten percent against China? > > Maybe he meant to say “and 10% more on China” , i.e. 35%, but he screwed up. Don’t we already have 10% tariff on Chinese goods? At least some of them. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/130 "2025-02-02T12:22:33Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > If there are none or few, then it’s the US that is at fault, not just a president. It is the US at fault, not just the president. The people claiming it’s just Trump are a huge part of the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/131 "2025-02-02T12:52:49Z")
I can assure you that almost every economist and investment manager in the US is against these tariffs. Ever since the election, and even more so since the inauguration, I’ve heard economists from many sources give their macroeconomic and market predictions. As usual, they give a range of outcomes based on their cyclical and fundamental views, but each downside or “worst case” scenario involved the actual implementation of Trump’s proposed tariffs. I would not at all be shocked with a major market shakeup tomorrow. As an American who travels to Canada often to visit my kids, I am not looking forward to the next 4 years (at least). ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/132 "2025-02-02T12:56:47Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Starting an economic war with Canada wasnt part of his campaign. Trump threatened 100% tariffs on all autos “crossing the line”, while campaigning in March 2024: > **[What Trump’s 100 Percent Auto Tariff Would Mean For The US Economy](https://taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/what-trumps-100-percent-auto-tariff-would-mean-us-economy)** > > In a March 17 campaign speech, former president Trump vowe d “We're going to put a 100 percent tariff on every single car that comes... Article includes link to Trump’s speech. This wasn’t the first time he said he would impose tariffs. It was a significant part of his campaign. Trump voters voted for his platform. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/133 "2025-02-02T13:29:48Z")
Look, I don’t know what’s in Trump’s head, and I am sure he’s mostly an idiot. But at this point, it must be true that dozens of people have tried to tell him that these tariffs are a bad idea, and so I really don’t think he believes they will benefit the US financially. At this point, it seems easier to believe he’s literally a Russian or Chinese asset (I’m not saying he is, it’s just more plausible than him thinking tariffs aren’t harmful). I fully expect markets to open down 3% tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/134 "2025-02-02T13:37:07Z")
I hope the markets crash. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/135 "2025-02-02T13:52:35Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > There’s such an enormous avalanche of bullshit that’s scrambling everyone’s attention that you’re unlikely to get much international assistance in this conflict. The Beeb, Reuters, Guardian and Le Monde are all covering it, plus Al Jazeera and the Times of India, but those are all English language editions. They are covering it not just as a North America thing, but an impact on the global economy and warning signs for Europe. Maybe you could circulate some links to your colleagues, Cervaise? > **[How countries respond to Trump's tariffs is what matters next](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lzxz7kg4wo)** > > Retaliatory taxes against the US by other nations could lead global trade into uncharted territory. > **[How Trump tariffs could upend car markets in Europe, the US and China](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/29/trump-tariffs-car-markets-europe-us-china-ev-tesla)** > > Levies threaten exporters to US market, while scrapping of subsidies will hit EV sales – and Tesla could gain > **[‘We just can’t take the hit’: businesses worldwide brace as Trump threatens...](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/26/trump-tariffs-businesses-global-worldwide)** > > Across the world, exporters to the US are preparing for an era of disruption if tariffs are imposed [https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-trudeau-announces-counter-tariffs-2025-02-02/](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-trudeau-announces-counter-tariffs-2025-02-02/) > **[US imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, citing 'national...](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/02/01/us-imposes-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-and-china-citing-national-emergency_6737681_4.html)** > > Donald Trump is imposing steep tariffs on the country's major trading partners, in a move the White House says is tied to a national emergency over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The decision threatens to disrupt key supply chains and... > **[Global alarm, condemnation as Trump tariffs hit Mexico, Canada and China](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/2/global-alarm-condemnation-as-trump-tariffs-hit-mexico-canada-and-china)** > > Mexico and Canada announce retaliatory tariffs while China warns that there is no winner in a trade war. > **['Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon, stay in Canada for vacation': Trudeau's...](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/canadian-rye-over-kentucky-bourbon-stay-in-canada-for-vacation-trudeaus-appeal-after-trump-imposes-tariffs/articleshow/117851093.cms)** > > Rest of World News: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged citizens to support domestic products in response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian good ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/136 "2025-02-02T14:11:26Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > First, he said, is retaliation. He has directed BC Liquor stores to “immediately stop buying American liquor from red states,” and to remove existing stock of the most popular brands from store shelves. I think this is awesome. My only quibble is that “red states” equates slightly-favored-Trump states (like mine, Wisconsin) with heavily-favored-Trump states like Wyoming or West Virginia. But I get why, for practical reasons, you need to have a simple threshold for these kinds of things. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/137 "2025-02-02T14:12:25Z")
I think he’s going after Kentucky bourbon. But not California wine. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/138 "2025-02-02T14:14:16Z")
It adds 10% to the 12% tariff that exists on many Chinese goods. There is a slight logic to going to Mars if Earth becomes inhabitable, but I didn’t think Musk would try to make both happen. Perhaps they are after his precious fluids. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/139 "2025-02-02T14:15:48Z")
Right, but he’s also going after Wisconsin brandy and vodka (and the terrific whiskey made in my town), assuming “red state” means “any state whose electoral votes went to Trump (because Trump got the most votes, even if only barely).” I’m just venting that my state sometimes gets thrown in with the Alabamas and the Oklahomas, when we’re basically 50/50. But I should shut up (at least in this thread). That any individual could have voted for that asshole imbecile, in any jurisdiction, still blows my mind. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-declares-economic-war-on-canada/1013734/140 "2025-02-02T14:16:30Z")
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