In a childish move that cannot help, Trump makes a threat he cannot even keep.
Why Make Ridiculous Threats?
The threat is ridiculous because renaming the lake is not in Trump’s power to do.
More importantly, Canadians already feel like Trump is treading on their sovereignty. Childish moves will increase their resolve to escalate a lose-lose trade war.
Canada Strikes Back
The Wall Street Journal reports Canada Targets U.S. Metals, Fish, Foods, Motorcycles in Retaliatory Tariff Package
—Canada plans to impose tariffs of up to 50% on roughly 700 American products in retaliation for new U.S. levies, Canadian officials said Tuesday, escalating tensions between two of the world’s most closely integrated economies.
Officials said that effective Sept. 8, or the day after Labor Day, Canada plans to place tariffs ranging between 15% and 50% on about $20 billion of goods, or roughly 7% of total U.S. imports. Among the products targeted by Canada are U.S. steel, aluminum, motorcycles, washers and dryers, chain saws, processed cheese, clams and frozen octopus.
U.S. steel and aluminum were already subject to a 25% tariff, but that will now double to 50%, officials said.
Canadian officials said their set of retaliatory duties are designed to protect domestic market share for firms directly impacted by U.S. tariffs. Industry Minister Melanie Joly said the tariffs were also crafted to exert maximum political pressure in key races in the U.S. midterm elections in November. “We are being wise and strategic,” said Joly at a press conference.
Trade analysts pointed to the nearly 200 seafood items subject to duties as a sign of that political pressure in Maine, where Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, faces re-election in November.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said this week it became evident during negotiations that Trump was intent on destroying Canada’s auto sector, and steel and aluminum industries. He said Canada could restart talks with Washington, but only on the condition that the U.S. comes “with the right attitude toward our industries.”
He added, “An attitude at the negotiation table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States, the Canadian industry is going to be disadvantaged relative to American industry…That’s not something we’re going to accept.”
Who Suffers More
It’s a fool’s debate to make a prediction based on that.
“Now, while it’s true that Canada will suffer more than the Americans, it’s also true that the Canadians are so pissed off at us right now – 80% of Canadians are against the United States, for the first time in living memory – that they’re willing to suffer more for the point of maintaining their sovereignty and standing up to Trump. And that’s not the case in Michigan. That’s not the case in Maine. People in America are not a fan of these trade wars. They’re not on board with Trump’s strategy.”
“So there will be political consequences, not for Trump, because he is not running, but for Republicans. But it’s pretty clear that Trump doesn’t care about that.”
Trade wars do neither side any good. We have them because a fool starts a trade war, Trump in this instance, and political necessity demands retaliation.
An overwhelming percentage of Canadians wants Carney to respond. So he did.
Canadians are united. Republicans are fearing the midterms and collateral damage.
There are now two simultaneous economic wars. Will Trump be stupid enough to make it three with China?
Related Posts
August 23, 2026: Diesel 21 Cents from Record High. What if Canada Shut Off Oil to the US?
Carney has a huge card, two if he chooses to play them.
August 24, 2026: Did Howard Lutnick Purposely Wreck the Trade Deal with Canada?
Let’s discuss the evidence.
August 24, 2026: Ontario Prime Minister Responds to Trump “He Can Kiss My Ass”
Trump threatens 50 percent tariffs on auto parts in January. I suggest Canada respond immediately.
Article posted with permission from Mish Shedlock
