Trumpiana: Oh, Canada! Build walls, not bridges
Times of India
by ARUN KUMARFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump has shown his characteristic tough stance on international relations by accusing Canada of "taking advantage" of the United States and threatening to block the opening of a new US-Canada bridge ahead of Valentine’s Day. In a heated social media post, Trump claimed that Canada has unfairly treated the US for decades, demanding compensation for trade deals and accusing Ontario of restricting US-produced alcohol sales while imposing tariffs on dairy products. His accusations came just weeks after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced criticism for challenging American leadership at the World Economic Forum.
Six Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in opposing Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada, voting to block them in a rare bipartisan move. Trump responded with a warning, threatening political consequences for any Republicans who defy him during the upcoming elections. His MAGA supporters rallied behind him, while European allies like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly rebuked his actions, calling into question the future of US global leadership and transatlantic relationships.
Trump’s latest spat with Canada is part of a broader pattern of challenging traditional norms of international cooperation. At home, he has rolled back climate change regulations, praising a major deregulatory move that removes limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and power plants. Meanwhile, his administration continues to face scrutiny over its ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the Justice Department released millions of pages of documents related to the investigation.
This ongoing trade dispute with Canada highlights Trump’s transactional approach to international relations, prioritizing economic gains over diplomatic partnerships. His actions have not only strained US-Canada relations but also raised concerns among global allies about the future stability of international institutions and norms under his leadership.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026