The relationship between the U.S. and Canada has hit rock bottom under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. President Donald Trump’s tough tariffs shocked many Canadians, but not all of them are upset. Conservative commentator Ezra Levant says Trudeau is pushing for a trade war in his final days as leader—and Trump has ways to hit back without hurting everyday Canadians.
Trudeau’s government slapped $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs on American goods after Trump threatened taxes on Canadian imports. But Levant argues this isn’t about protecting Canada—it’s about Trudeau’s ego. The prime minister is stepping down soon, and critics say he’s trying to burn bridges with the U.S. on his way out.
The key to punishing Trudeau? Go after his radical climate policies. Canada’s energy sector relies on U.S. markets, but Trudeau has shut down pipelines and attacked oil companies. Trump could crack down on Canadian oil exports while boosting American energy jobs. This would hurt Trudeau’s green agenda without strangling Canadian workers who want pipelines built.
Another target: Canada’s control of Arctic resources. Trump has called out Canada for “freeloading” off U.S. military protection in the north while hoarding oil and critical minerals under melting ice. By demanding a fair share of Arctic wealth or cutting off joint projects like icebreaker ships, Trump could force Trudeau to back down—or expose him as weak on national defense.
Trudeau claims his border security plan will stop fentanyl smuggling, but conservatives say it’s too little, too late. Less than 1% of fentanyl enters the U.S. from Canada, yet Trudeau waited years to appoint a “drug czar.” Trump should hold him accountable for empty promises while keeping tariffs focused on government programs—not groceries or gas prices for Canadian families.
Trudeau’s opponents in Canada agree with Trump’s tough approach. Polls show many Canadians are tired of his anti-U.S. rhetoric and woke policies. With an election coming, conservative leaders want closer ties to America—not trade wars started by a lame-duck prime minister chasing headlines.
The “51st state” comment made headlines, but Levant says most Canadians don’t fear U.S. takeover—they fear Trudeau’s failures. Sky-high taxes, crumbling healthcare, and housing crises have voters angry at their own government, not Trump. Smart tariffs could turn that anger against Trudeau instead of America.
Trump’s playbook should be simple: squeeze Trudeau’s pet projects, not the people. Target green energy subsidies, tax woke corporations backing him, or ban deals with provinces that oppose pipelines. Canadians want jobs and security—not more drama from a leader who’s already checked out.
