Canadians Feel ‘Under Economic Attack’: Frustration with Trump Tariffs and Annexation Talk

Canadians are feeling the heat, and not in a good way. Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, expressed the nation's growing frustration over President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric about annexing Canada and his tariffs on Canadian goods during an appearance on CBS’ "Face the Nation."

Hillman didn’t hold back, explaining that Canadians are less than thrilled with their neighbor's behavior. "They're getting a little bit frustrated with that kind of rhetoric," she said, referencing Trump’s bold talk of making Canada the 51st state. While this might sound like an elaborate joke to some, Canadians aren’t laughing. "More importantly, Canadians are frustrated with our neighbors," she added.

The ambassador emphasized that these frustrations stem not only from the annexation chatter but also from the economic strain caused by Trump’s tariffs. "Canadians feel under attack – under economic attack," Hillman said. It’s safe to say that tensions are simmering north of the border.

Recent economic moves haven’t helped. The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods earlier in the week, paired with a 10% levy on Chinese imports. These measures, according to Trump, aim to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration. But by Thursday, the drama continued as Trump suspended the 25% tariffs for most goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for a month. Is this flip-flopping strategic or just plain confusing? You decide.

It’s not just tariffs sparking contention; Canada’s political scene is also stirring the pot. With elections around the corner, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s relationship with Trump has been described as "contentious," and Canadians will soon elect a new leader. Hillman expressed optimism, saying the new leader will focus on forging a "healthy and productive relationship" with Trump, though she admitted relationships "go both ways."

Canada’s frustrations underscore the strain between the two nations. While Trump’s annexation talk might feel more like reality TV than diplomacy, the economic consequences are all too real for Canadians. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail in this cross-border drama.