As President-elect Donald Trump ramps up his threats against Canada’s economy and sovereignty, it’s clear that there’s something serious going on. David Frum, a seasoned political analyst at The Atlantic, warns that Canada needs to pay close attention, as things could get dangerous.
Frum doesn’t think Trump actually wants to turn Canada into the 51st state, but the fact that he keeps suggesting it means he’s planning something aggressive. To explain, Frum compares it to living with a partner who repeatedly threatens violence. You might not think they’ll follow through, but you’d still be wise to have a plan. And in this case, the “dangerous brewing” could lead to some serious consequences for Canada.
Last week, Trump stunned the world by refusing to rule out military action to seize Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally, or even take control of the Panama Canal. And that’s not all—he openly discussed using “economic force” to pressure Canada into merging with the U.S., dismissing Canadian imports like cars and dairy, and warning of substantial tariffs that could cripple the Canadian economy.
Despite initially tying the tariff threats to demands for enhanced border security, Trump has made it clear he’s sticking to his guns on the 25% tariff threat. According to Frum, Canada needs to be ready for this “tariff aggression,” which Trump could push through with unilateral actions like declaring a national emergency.
But that’s not the only issue. Trump’s stance toward Mexico is also troubling, and Canada will likely feel the ripple effects. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have talked about sending the U.S. military after Mexican drug cartels, which could spark international tensions and affect Canada too.
And as Trump cracks down on illegal residents and immigration, Canada could see an influx of people fleeing deportation, hoping to find refuge in Canada’s more welcoming immigration system.
Frum suggests that Canada’s government needs to prepare for these challenges in a more strategic way. He believes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau handled U.S. relations well during Trump’s first term by making some concessions, but Frum is unsure if that approach will work this time around. In fact, he predicts that Trump’s second term will focus more on disrupting North America, with less regard for diplomacy.
As Trudeau prepares to step down, the next leader of Canada will need to think outside the box and be ready for any response to Trump. “Plan A” might involve traditional diplomatic efforts, but Canada must also have a “Plan B” that considers bolder, more radical ideas—because Trump may not be someone who responds to reason or compromise.
It’s a challenging time ahead, and Canada must stay vigilant.
