Potential Trump Comeback Raises Concerns for Canada
As the U.S. election campaign unfolds with unexpected twists, Canadians are expressing significant anxiety over the prospect of a second Donald Trump term. A recent poll indicates that two-thirds of Canadians believe another Trump presidency would be detrimental to Canada, impacting everything from bilateral relations to global stability and economic health.
This apprehension is partly due to the high-pressure trade tactics and aggressive policies seen during Trump’s first term. Key moderates who previously tempered some of Trump’s more extreme decisions, like Jared Kushner and John Kelly, are unlikely to return. Instead, more hardline figures such as Peter Navarro, who recently served a prison sentence for contempt of Congress, may resurface.
Navarro’s aggressive trade policies, including tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, were a source of tension during Trump’s first term. With Navarro back in Trump’s circle, Canada could face renewed economic pressure.
Furthermore, Trump’s focus on border security remains a contentious issue. Former ICE chief Tom Homan, a potential Homeland Security pick, has advocated for mass deportations, while Rep. Elise Stefanik has emphasized the need for stricter controls at the northern border.
On the defense front, a second Trump administration may exert pressure on Canada to increase its military spending. Elbridge Colby, a likely candidate for a top national security position, has criticized Canada’s defense contributions and suggests punitive measures to ensure compliance with NATO commitments.
Overall, the prospect of familiar faces from Trump’s previous administration returning to power has many Canadians concerned about the future of U.S.-Canada relations and the broader international landscape.