Trump Faces Political Backlash After Escalated Trade Clash With Canada

President Donald Trump’s plan to escalate trade tensions with Canada may backfire. Harry Enten, a writer and pollster, found that Americans overwhelmingly like Canada and are losing support for Trump’s tariffs and hostile stance. He claims that confronting Canada is more than just foreign policy—it affects popular opinion.

Enten cited polling showing a huge popularity gap. Trump’s net favorability is approaching –10 points, while Canada’s is +49. That puts Canada roughly 60 points ahead of him in net popularity. Political implications result when a U.S. president fights a nation Americans admire.

The context is Trump’s harsh tariffs. Early this year, the average effective U.S. tariff rate reached 18%, the highest since the 1930s. American opposition to Trump’s tariff idea rose to 60% from 48% in November 2024. Some industry analysts estimate that over half of tariff expenses fall directly on U.S. consumers rather than overseas suppliers.

In response to an Ontario government-sponsored campaign, Trump imposed a 10% tax on Canadian imports and halted trade discussions. Trump reacted strongly to the ad’s use of Reagan’s 1987 free trade speech. He may be tough in negotiations, but targeting Canada is risky politically. A country with bipartisan goodwill is now the target of a trade war headed by a U.S. leader with declining approval.

If Enten were advising President Trump, he would encourage him to avoid tariffs politically. The bottom line: Americans don’t buy it. The move is one of the biggest in Trump’s second term. When a leader chooses a public-respected foe, he goes against public opinion.

This episode demonstrates Trump’s strategy may alienate critical populations. When trade policy hurts the economy, U.S. presidents are vulnerable. Political calculation changes swiftly when tariffs rise and public opposition grows. Though brave, taking on Canada is unpopular in America.

The fundamental question is whether this trade dispute will affect elections. Americans value Canada as a trading partner and ally. When the president disputes a friendly nation, his reputation may suffer. This trade war may hurt Trump rather than help him.

Sources
CNN analyst data on U.S. public sentiment and Canadian favourability rates.
Polling figures on U.S. tariffs and consumer burden.
News coverage of Trump’s tariff escalation and Canada’s response.