Trump’s tariffs transforms polite neighbors into outraged nationalists

Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports has struck a nerve north of the border. What started as a series of taunting threats to make Canada the 51st state has now spiraled into a full-blown trade war. With the new tariffs hitting hard, Canadians are grappling with not just economic consequences, but a deep sense of betrayal by a longtime ally.

The backlash has been swift and widespread. Many Canadians, known for their legendary politeness, are expressing frustration that their neighbor has turned on them in such a public and aggressive way. “I will never visit America again,” said Angela Qin, a university student in Toronto, capturing the anger felt by many who once saw the U.S. as a close friend and partner. For Canadians, the tariffs are not just an economic burden—they feel like a personal affront from a country that has long been considered a stable and reliable neighbor.

Trump’s move to impose tariffs on Canadian goods was followed by a seemingly contradictory decision: he announced an exemption for around 38% of Canadian goods that adhered to the terms of the North American trade agreement negotiated during his first term. But this measure only added fuel to the fire, as it left Canadians feeling confused and even more frustrated.

To add insult to injury, Trump's suggestion that additional tariffs on lumber and dairy products might be coming only served to stoke further resentment. "Canada has been ripping us off for years on tariffs for lumber and dairy products," Trump stated during a press conference. This rhetoric painted a picture of Canada as a nation that has taken advantage of American trade practices, and it only fueled the anger felt by Canadians who see themselves as victims of a misguided attack.

For Canadians, what’s “not fair” is not just the tariffs themselves, but the perceived betrayal from a neighbor they’ve worked with for years. Many Canadians feel their goodwill has been repaid with hostility, and this sense of unfairness has been deeply felt across the country.

In response to the tariffs, Canadians have rallied behind a sense of national unity, with many actively choosing to support local products. Grocery stores are now prominently featuring Canadian-made goods as part of a larger “Buy Canadian” movement, a direct challenge to American products. At liquor stores in Toronto, shelves once stocked with American wines and whiskey are now bare, as Canadian alternatives take their place.

The message is clear: Canadians are not just fighting tariffs; they are fighting for their identity as a nation. British Columbia Premier David Eby put it bluntly: “We’re gonna make sure the Americans understand how pissed off we are, how unified we are, how committed we are to working as a country to stand up for each other.” This rhetoric signals a shift in Canada’s political tone, from frustration to determination.

As the tariffs continue to take hold, political leaders in Canada have begun to take more forceful actions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, once a staunch supporter of the U.S., has now turned his ire toward Trump’s policies, calling the situation “insanity” and even threatening to cut off electricity exports to the U.S., which power over a million homes and businesses in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Ford’s dramatic response is a reflection of how far Canada’s frustration has gone. As the provinces make their own decisions to retaliate, some Canadians like Chris Peterson, a carpenter from St. Catharines, suggest more drastic measures. Peterson believes Canada should stop being polite and cut off all exports to the U.S. until the tariffs are lifted. “No electricity, no wood, no nothing until he takes every one of those tariffs away,” he said. While extreme, this sentiment is shared by a growing number of Canadians who believe the time for diplomacy has passed.

From cutting ties to refusing American imports, the actions of Canadian leaders and citizens alike show that the country is no longer willing to stand idly by as its neighbor imposes what many feel are unjust tariffs.