Amid escalating tensions over a potential tariff war between Canada and the United States, India-origin Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), criticized US President-elect Donald Trump, labeling him a bully and accusing him of behaving like an internet troll. Singh’s remarks came in response to Trump’s intention to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods and his suggestion to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.
“Trump is acting like a troll,” Singh stated, emphasizing the need for a strong response to protect Canada’s interests. He also issued a call to action for those aspiring to become Canada’s next Prime Minister. “I’m issuing a challenge today for anyone running to be Prime Minister. I’ve committed that Canada would respond to Trump’s threats with retaliatory tariffs. That’s how you respond to a bully — with strength. You fight fire with fire to protect Canadian workers and their jobs,” he declared in a video.
I’m issuing a challenge today for anyone running to be Prime Minister.
I’ve committed that Canada would respond to Trump’s threats with retaliatory tariffs.
That’s how you respond to a bully — with strength.
You fight fire with fire to protect Canadian workers and their jobs. pic.twitter.com/dx0dF2q0oP
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 7, 2025
In a previous statement, Jagmeet Singh dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that many Canadians wish to become part of the United States. Refuting the claim, Singh stated, “Cut the crap, Donald. No Canadian wants to join you. We are proud Canadians. Proud of the way we take care of each other and defend our nation. Your attacks will hurt jobs on both sides of the border. You come for Canadians’ jobs, Americans will pay a price.”
Cut the crap, Donald. No Canadian wants to join you.
We are proud Canadians. Proud of the way we take care of each other and defend our nation.
Your attacks will hurt jobs on both sides of the border.
You come for Canadians’ jobs, Americans will pay a price.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 7, 2025
Trudeau and Singh align on this point
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once an ally but now a rival of Jagmeet Singh, dismissed the idea of Canada joining the United States, stating there isn’t “a snowball’s chance in hell” of such a union.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Donald Trump expressed a contrasting view, saying, “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security. Canada and the United States, that would really be something,” he added.
Trudeau responded to Trump’s comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, asserting, “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.”
Trudeau’s remarks came just a day after he announced his resignation as Prime Minister. However, he will continue to serve in the role until the governing Liberals select a new leader, a process expected to conclude by late March. In the meantime, the Canadian parliament has been prorogued, or suspended, until March 24 to facilitate the leadership race.
