U.S. President Trump’s obsession with Canada ignores his own failures

Canadians face tough months ahead. But Trump’s political weakness should encourage our own resolve to hang tough. The last thing Americans want is an unneeded trade war with their next-door neighbour when their own house is burning.

While U.S. President Donald Trump's administration wants Canada to capitulate to American demands, the White House is dealing with a failing war in Iran, a US$40-trillion debt crisis, and problems in the Social Security and Medicare programs, writes David Crane. Photograph courtesy of White House Photo/Molly Riley

Opinion

BY DAVID CRANE

August 31, 2026

TORONTO—The unwanted trade war with the United States is still in early days, and no one knows what an unhinged President Donald Trump might do next. But there are strong forces working to Canada’s advantage.

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