Shapiro begins by revisiting-and correcting-his earlier view that Canada had little room to push back against U.S. pressure. "I think he's making a bet that Canada has far more leverage than I was giving it credit, and that actually Canada is the one holding the cards here," Shapiro says, arguing that Trump's negotiating style and domestic political constraints give Canada more room than was first assumed.
Relations between the countries have somewhat settled after the US launched a trade war targeting Canadian goods, prompting anger at what was widely viewed as an act of economic hostility against a longtime ally. The Trump administration has targeted Canada with several rounds of tariffs, including a blanket 25 percent tariff for allegedly failing to stem migration and fentanyl flows from Canada. That came despite data showing only a tiny fraction of fentanyl smuggled into the US crosses the US-Canada border.
A new survey by the reputable Canadian pollster Angus Reid finds that only 27 percent of Canadians regard the United States as a "friend" or "ally." Almost half, 46 percent, regard the U.S. as a "potential threat" or "enemy." More Canadians say they are concerned about the threats posed by the U.S. than they are about China (34 percent) or India (24 percent)-even though Indian nationals have been charged with allegedly assassinating a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
This Redditor highlights their feelings of unease amidst a tough time in the United States due to the current political climate and job insecurity.
