Trump Agitates America's Friendliest Allies
Despite a delay in the tariff deadline, boo-birds and Canadian Snowbirds are sharing insights on minor acts of patriotism in response to U.S. bullying.
TroibNews 
**OTTAWA —** Canadians are responding to a significant trade conflict by avoiding Arizona products, skipping Florida oranges at supermarkets, and loudly booing the U.S. national anthem before NBA and NHL games.
“We have a reputation for being chill, relaxed, kind of an easy-going country,” British Columbia Premier David Eby told reporters on Monday morning. “You want to see Canadians get their back up and get things done? Then threaten their sovereignty.”
This sentiment was echoed when U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday afternoon in the Oval Office that he would like Canada to become the 51st state. Although the rationale behind imposing 25 percent tariffs remains unclear to many Canadians, they recognize the seriousness of the situation.
While Canada’s ministers pointed towards potential retaliation and secured a 30-day reprieve from Trump, everyday Canadians have engaged in acts of patriotism by returning U.S. goods to stores, canceling Netflix, and planning to avoid American dining establishments. The hashtag #BOYCOTTUSA has been trending on X for several days.
On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the tariff deadline to give Canada time to strengthen border security.
“Make no mistake, Canada and Ontario continue to stare down the threat of tariffs,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated following the negotiations update. “Whether it’s tomorrow, in a month or a year from now when we’re renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, President Trump will continue to use the threat of tariffs to get what he wants.”
The anti-American sentiment peaked over the weekend after Trump’s tariff announcement. A DJ event in Montreal showcased a digital sign declaring “F—K TARIFFS.” In Ottawa, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was met with boos before the Senators triumphed over the Minnesota Wild. The disapproval echoed throughout various NHL and NBA games nationwide.
“We are seeing a beautiful surge of Maple Leafs,” New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said to reporters Monday. “And I think that comes alongside a bit of anti-American sentiment, a frustration that our closest neighbor and trading partner has decided to treat us this way.”
On social media and during family Zoom calls, Canadians discussed how to leverage their spending power and voice to communicate their feelings toward Americans, despite long-standing friendships and familial ties.
Families and politicians announced plans to cancel trips to Florida and Arizona — a significant concern given that Canadians spent C$7 billion traveling to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2024, according to recent Statistics Canada data.
“Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau urged on X. “Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada.”
As the tariff deadline approached, provinces began removing American alcohol from retailers and eateries. Grocery stores put up “Buy Canadian” signs and social media users traded lists of Canadian-made products.
Political and labor associations continued to encourage persistence on Monday.
“The President declared economic war on Canadian workers and our country. There is no turning back,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president and member of the prime minister’s council on Canada-U.S. relations. “No one should let their guard down at this 30-day pause.”
On Saturday night, Trudeau unveiled the first phase of Canada’s retaliation strategy, proposing tariffs on $106 billion worth of U.S. goods, particularly targeting states that voted for Trump. Some provinces also considered canceling contracts with U.S. firms, including Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Small businesses expressed frustration over Trump’s comments regarding Canada becoming a 51st state. One such business owner is Liam Mooney, who created a viral “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE” cap in response to Trump's statements.
He described his creation as “a small act of patriotism,” which resonated widely. Sales surged after Ford was seen wearing one during a meeting with the prime minister and other provincial leaders, generating approximately C$400,000 in sales within 24 hours.
“Canadians love Canada and it’s an important time [for us] with this kind of bluster, this kind of disrespect, this kind of statements about our country,” Mooney shared in a recent PMG interview.
“Look around the world of nations and ask any country, ‘Would you like to have Canada as your border country, partner, and neighbor?’ Overwhelmingly the answer, obviously, would be yes,” he concluded.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
“We have a reputation for being chill, relaxed, kind of an easy-going country,” British Columbia Premier David Eby told reporters on Monday morning. “You want to see Canadians get their back up and get things done? Then threaten their sovereignty.”
This sentiment was echoed when U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday afternoon in the Oval Office that he would like Canada to become the 51st state. Although the rationale behind imposing 25 percent tariffs remains unclear to many Canadians, they recognize the seriousness of the situation.
While Canada’s ministers pointed towards potential retaliation and secured a 30-day reprieve from Trump, everyday Canadians have engaged in acts of patriotism by returning U.S. goods to stores, canceling Netflix, and planning to avoid American dining establishments. The hashtag #BOYCOTTUSA has been trending on X for several days.
On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the tariff deadline to give Canada time to strengthen border security.
“Make no mistake, Canada and Ontario continue to stare down the threat of tariffs,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated following the negotiations update. “Whether it’s tomorrow, in a month or a year from now when we’re renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, President Trump will continue to use the threat of tariffs to get what he wants.”
The anti-American sentiment peaked over the weekend after Trump’s tariff announcement. A DJ event in Montreal showcased a digital sign declaring “F—K TARIFFS.” In Ottawa, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was met with boos before the Senators triumphed over the Minnesota Wild. The disapproval echoed throughout various NHL and NBA games nationwide.
“We are seeing a beautiful surge of Maple Leafs,” New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said to reporters Monday. “And I think that comes alongside a bit of anti-American sentiment, a frustration that our closest neighbor and trading partner has decided to treat us this way.”
On social media and during family Zoom calls, Canadians discussed how to leverage their spending power and voice to communicate their feelings toward Americans, despite long-standing friendships and familial ties.
Families and politicians announced plans to cancel trips to Florida and Arizona — a significant concern given that Canadians spent C$7 billion traveling to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2024, according to recent Statistics Canada data.
“Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau urged on X. “Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada.”
As the tariff deadline approached, provinces began removing American alcohol from retailers and eateries. Grocery stores put up “Buy Canadian” signs and social media users traded lists of Canadian-made products.
Political and labor associations continued to encourage persistence on Monday.
“The President declared economic war on Canadian workers and our country. There is no turning back,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president and member of the prime minister’s council on Canada-U.S. relations. “No one should let their guard down at this 30-day pause.”
On Saturday night, Trudeau unveiled the first phase of Canada’s retaliation strategy, proposing tariffs on $106 billion worth of U.S. goods, particularly targeting states that voted for Trump. Some provinces also considered canceling contracts with U.S. firms, including Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Small businesses expressed frustration over Trump’s comments regarding Canada becoming a 51st state. One such business owner is Liam Mooney, who created a viral “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE” cap in response to Trump's statements.
He described his creation as “a small act of patriotism,” which resonated widely. Sales surged after Ford was seen wearing one during a meeting with the prime minister and other provincial leaders, generating approximately C$400,000 in sales within 24 hours.
“Canadians love Canada and it’s an important time [for us] with this kind of bluster, this kind of disrespect, this kind of statements about our country,” Mooney shared in a recent PMG interview.
“Look around the world of nations and ask any country, ‘Would you like to have Canada as your border country, partner, and neighbor?’ Overwhelmingly the answer, obviously, would be yes,” he concluded.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
