Trump’s designations for foreign policy and border positions have sent signals to Canada, and the rest of the world, about America’s path forward.
Many of the individuals securing high-level positions in Donald Trump’s second administration have expressed disapproval of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and border security.
According to one analyst, there aren’t many Canadian pals in the president-elect’s court yet.
“I don’t see a lot of Canadian friends in there,” said Fen Hampson, who co-chairs the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations and teaches international politics at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Designations for border and foreign policy posts have given Canada and the rest of the globe clues about America’s future as the Republican leader begins making important choices regarding his government.
Trump ran on a platform of enacting a universal import tax of at least 10%. According to an analysis by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, that would cause the Canadian economy to contract, costing the country almost $30 billion annually.
The Liberal government in Canada firmly supports the president-elect’s criticism of aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and his attacks on the United Nations.
In the face of growing global unrest, Trump appointed Mike Waltz as his national security advisor, claiming in a statement on Tuesday that Waltz “will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!”
Three-term Florida congressman Waltz has frequently criticized Trudeau on social media, especially for his handling of China-related matters.
He recently expressed his opinion on the impending Canadian election on X, saying that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will “start digging Canada out of the progressive mess it’s in” and “send Trudeau packing in 2025.”
Similar to Trump, Waltz has criticized NATO nations who fail to achieve defense expenditure goals, which Canada has denied and will continue to do for years.
By 2032, Trudeau pledged to reach the goal of allocating 2% of GDP to defense spending.
Republicans focused heavily on immigration and border security during the election, and many important appointments have their sights set on the future.
According to reports, Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida and a strong opponent of China, is anticipated to be appointed secretary of state.
Rubio has highlighted issues along the border between the United States and Canada. “Terrorists and known criminals continue to stream across U.S. land borders, including from Canada,” he said, criticizing Canada’s recent decision to admit Palestinian refugees.
The border with Canada has also been a focal point for Trump’s nomination of New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the UN.
As a member of the Northern Border Security Caucus, Stefanik said there has been a surge in drug and human trafficking and called on Homeland Security to safeguard the border.
Last month, she wrote on X, “We have to shield our kids from these dangerous illegal immigrants who are flooding our northern border in record numbers.”
Trump referred to Stefanik as a “smart America First fighter” despite her lack of expertise in international policy. She criticized the UN on several occasions, claiming that the institution is antisemitic for criticizing Israel’s assault of Gaza.
According to U.S. media sources, Homeland Security has selected Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota and a longstanding Trump supporter. Before controversy broke up over a story about shooting a dog in her book, she was on the shortlist to be vice president.
She doesn’t appear to feel very fond of Canada,” Hampson said.
She said she was speaking with a Canadian family-run company last year about moving to her state because to COVID-19 pandemic limitations.
However, the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which was negotiated under the first Trump administration, was also described by Noem as “a major win.”
In 2026, the trilateral agreement will be reviewed.
Trump’s former trade representative Robert Lighthizer has served as an unofficial advisor throughout the president-elect’s transition, and Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister, stated that they are still in communication.
Although Hampson stated that he is unlikely to return to the trade representative position, experts have hailed him as a candidate for a number of positions in Trump’s second term, including a return to the trade file.
According to Hampson, there are still a lot of unanswered concerns regarding the potential scope of the tariffs and whether or not sectors like energy would be exempt. The danger of tariffs may potentially hover over future trade talks, according to Trump and his team.
Will he impose a tax on us on the first or soon after? “What?” said Hampson.
Canada should maintain its composure and concentrate on possibilities rather than worries, according to some experts. Others have urged audacious measures and innovative ideas.
A little over twenty-four hours after Trump’s victory was confirmed, Canada reestablished a cabinet committee on Canada-Western ties.
In Fredericton on Tuesday, Trudeau stated that Canada had successfully negotiated the trilateral trade agreement under the first Trump administration by proving that its economy and interests coincide.
“That will remain the situation,” he stated.