Canadians are feeling the strain in their relationship with the United States as tensions rise under President Donald Trump. For years, Canada has enjoyed a close partnership with its neighbor, but recent actions have put that bond in jeopardy. Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian imports, claiming it’s part of an economic war aimed at addressing border security issues related to fentanyl trafficking.
On March 5, Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports, a move that sent shockwaves through the Canadian economy. Canada relies heavily on the U.S. for trade, with 77 percent of its exports going south of the border. Even with some exceptions to the tariffs, the impact is significant.
Trump argues that these tariffs are necessary to pressure Canada into tightening its border controls to curb the flow of fentanyl, a powerful opioid. However, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has dismissed this reasoning as unfounded, noting that Canada contributes only a tiny fraction—0.2 percent—of the fentanyl entering the U.S. Despite this, Canada has attempted to cooperate, launching a $1.3 billion border plan and appointing a fentanyl czar. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reported a dramatic 97 percent drop in fentanyl seizures from Canada between December 2024 and January 2025, yet Trump still seems unsatisfied.
Trudeau has suggested that Trump’s true motive behind the tariffs is to destabilize the Canadian economy, potentially paving the way for annexation. In a recent statement, Trump suggested that Canada should become the 51st state, claiming that this would resolve tariff issues. He has also expressed a desire to revise the border treaty between the two countries, questioning its validity.
The situation escalated during a February call between Trudeau and Trump, where Trump reportedly expressed interest in changing the border agreements. U.S. officials have indicated that Trump considers the existing treaties easy to discard, which raises concerns about the future of U.S.-Canada relations.
The fallout from these developments has led to a significant shift in Canadian public opinion. A recent poll indicated that 27 percent of Canadians now view the U.S. as an enemy, a stark contrast to previous sentiments. Trudeau’s successor, Marc Carney, emphasized the need for Canada to seek new trading partners, suggesting a loss of trust in the U.S.
As the relationship deteriorates, many Canadians oppose the idea of becoming part of the United States. Only nine percent support the notion of Canada as the 51st state.
The uncertainty surrounding these events leaves many wondering whether Trump is simply using tough negotiation tactics or if he genuinely aims to reshape the relationship between the two nations. Regardless, the closeness that once defined U.S.-Canada relations now hangs in the balance, with both sides facing an uncertain future.