U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose crippling tariffs should Ottawa and Beijing sign a trade deal is unacceptably coercive and mimics China’s behaviour. Yet, at the same time, Prime Minister Mark Carney could be navigating this situation better, and seems to be prioritizing political theatre over Canada’s interests.
Throughout his second presidency, Trump’s approach to foreign policy has been erratic and disruptive. While his interventions in Venezuela and the Middle East have been commendable, their benefits have been outweighed by his bullying of traditional American allies, as well as his threats to punish western economies should they fail to obsequiously follow his agenda.
I honestly believe Carney’s theatrics are a deliberate ploy designed to ensure a deal with China and the personal enrichment of he and pals.
