As the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle intensifies, Donald Trump’s rhetoric has once again turned northward. Canada, often perceived as America’s quiet and cooperative neighbor, is now under Trump’s renewed scrutiny. But what exactly does Trump want from Canada?
At the core of Trump’s approach lies a familiar theme: economic nationalism. If re-elected, Trump is expected to push Canada harder on trade, energy, defense spending, and immigration — all issues he spotlighted during his first presidency.
One of Trump’s primary targets is trade. Despite the renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA in 2020, Trump has often expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the deal still favors Canada in key sectors like dairy and automotive. Should he return to office, experts anticipate he will revisit tariffs, particularly on Canadian aluminum and softwood lumber, aiming to tilt the balance further in America’s favor.
Energy is another critical front. Trump has long supported pipeline projects like Keystone XL, which was canceled by President Biden in 2021. Trump may pressure Canada to revive cross-border energy infrastructure, not only for economic gain but also as part of a broader strategy to increase North American energy independence.
On defense, Trump’s criticism of NATO allies who “don’t pay their fair share” is well documented. Canada, which currently spends about 1.38% of its GDP on defense — below NATO’s 2% target — could face strong demands to boost military spending. Trump is likely to tie this to broader security cooperation, especially as global tensions rise.
Immigration is another area where Trump’s goals could directly affect Canada. During his administration, the U.S. pushed for stricter border control and asylum reforms, some of which required Canadian cooperation. With increased migration pressures in both countries, Trump may seek to revisit the Safe Third Country Agreement and push for tighter coordination on northern border security.
In short, what Trump really wants from Canada is more alignment with his America First policies — whether that means economic concessions, energy deals, military commitments, or stricter border controls. While Canada has historically managed to maintain a strong bilateral relationship regardless of U.S. political shifts, a second Trump presidency could test the strength and flexibility of that relationship like never before.
As November draws nearer, Canadians are watching closely — because what Trump wants from Canada may shape not just U.S.-Canada relations, but the broader North American political and economic landscape.
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