When a leader says the borders of your nation are artificial and seeks to subjugate you using economic pain, it’s reasonable – not ‘deranged’ – to be concerned about what that leader does.
In the wake of the latest drama in Canada-U.S. relations, I want to take a moment to address a sentiment I often see expressed on social media: The idea that Canada shouldn’t be concerned about what U.S. President Donald Trump does, and that such concern somehow represents ‘Trump derangement syndrome.’
I also notice that some who put forth that argument act as if it’s strange that the United States has become unpopular among Canadians, and that we should just go back to the relationship as it once was. I think both of those perspectives are misguided, and here’s why:
First, given that Donald Trump has openly spoken of viewing Canada’s border as an artificial line and has expressed his desire to have Canada become a U.S. State rather than a sovereign nation, it makes sense for Canadians to view his actions through a suspicious lens. Canada has had serious trade and foreign policy disputes with many U.S. Administrations, but those Administrations were not led by individuals who spoke of ending Canada’s status as a sovereign nation. It is also wise to consider that Trump has talked about using economic pressure to push Canada into becoming a U.S. State. It’s difficult to trust that the U.S. is negotiating in good faith when such statements are made, and though suspicion is a barrier that can be overcome, that suspicion is logical.
The second point – that it’s surprising to see the U.S. become so unpopular among Canadians and that we should return to normal – also misses the mark in my view. The Canada-U.S. relationship was relatively solid and steady until Trump started to talk about Canada becoming a State and imposed tariffs. While ‘they started it’ can be an immature argument, it is worth noting that starting a trade conflict and using ’51st State’ is what led to the rupture in Canada-U.S. ties, and led to a significant shift in Canadian public opinion. Personally, I think it would be surprising if public opinion hadn’t shifted, since the U.S. posture towards Canada has changed so significantly.
Logical concerns
Donald Trump is the leader of a powerful nation, and he has strong control over one of the two main political factions in that nation. What the U.S. does has a significant impact on Canada, and the U.S. can – if it so chooses – do severe damage to our economy. When viewed in that way, we can see that it’s logical for Canadians to be concerned about what Donald Trump does, and it’s logical for many Canadians to have less than positive sentiments towards an administration that is open to hurting Canadians economically in order to attempt to impose its will upon us.
Spencer Fernando
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Putin is using his military to annex Ukraine. Trump might be using economics and security of the North to do the same to Canada. Trudeau has done such tremendous damage to Canada that we might never recover.