Excerpts:

U.S.-Canada trade talks collapsed last night. Punitive Trump tariffs will now go into effect. Canada will reciprocate with retaliatory tariffs of its own.

The story may not be over. Donald Trump is notorious for issuing threats, then reversing them. Wars are on, off, on again, off again, then on a third time—but only as a “little detour.” This is not an administration that thinks even one move ahead. But without a supersized Trump TACO, the U.S.-Canada impasse likely won’t resolve soon.

The Trump administration has one big idea about Canada: The U.S. is larger, stronger, and richer than Canada, so Canada must sooner or later surrender to Trump’s demands. That one big idea is wrong.

Yes, Trump can hurt Canada more than Canada can hurt Trump. That part of Trump’s thinking is true. But wars are not decided only by the question Who can inflict more pain? Wars are also decided by the question Who can endure more pain? Trump’s failure to accept this truth is why he lost the Iran war—and why he is losing his trade wars.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has much more political permission to accept pain from a U.S.-Canadian trade war than Trump does.

To read current Canadian polling is to see a country united under its political leadership—and energized by its dislike and distrust of Trump’s United States. A majority of Canadians view Trump’s America as a more immediate threat to their security than Russia or China. Two-thirds favor the government taking a hard line in trade talks; fewer than one-quarter regard the United States as trustworthy. Meanwhile, Carney is backed by the Canadian public, polling at about 60 percent approval, a remarkable figure in a multiparty political system.

The Canadian economy has definitely suffered because of Trump’s hostility. Exports were down last year, and growth slowed. But this year, Canada got an unexpected bailout: Trump’s Iran war and Trump’s inflation have boosted prices for Canadian oil, gas, minerals, and food products. Canadian incomes are rising again. Meanwhile, Canada’s low levels of public debt have kept inflation low. Whereas the U.S. government must pay 5.3 percent to borrow money for 30 years, Canada pays 4.2 percent.

By contrast, Trump is facing an omnishamble. “Trump’s Economic Challenge: $40tn Debt, 6.7% Mortgages and $5 Diesel.” That’s a headline in today’s Financial Times. The paper could have added one more: 33 percent job approval, and falling fast.

Trump’s tariffs are costing the typical American household $1,100 a year in both direct collections and indirectly in higher prices, according to the Yale Budget Lab.

Although Canada’s economy is much smaller than the U.S.’s, Canada’s government has a more rational and intelligent leadership—and can therefore target its retaliation in ways that better serve national ends. U.S. alcohol exports to Canada have collapsed by 80 percent as Canadian provincial liquor stores ban U.S. wine and spirits. Canada’s booze boycott hurts more than one might expect given the comparatively small size of the Canadian market.

More than 30 percent of Ohio’s exports go to Canada, and almost 40 percent of Michigan’s. Both states will this year elect a U.S. senator and fill open governor’s seats. Not only is Trump putting at risk his party’s position in purple Michigan, but suddenly the races in beet-red Ohio look in jeopardy too.

Trump’s theory of his trade war, like his theory of his Iran war, is that the bigger bully always wins. Size counts for a lot, but not for everything.

Against Canada, Trump is fighting a trade war that very few Americans support, under leadership that most Americans reject, to achieve results that virtually all Americans would dismiss as pointless if not crazy.

Against Trump, Canadians are fighting a trade war that the great majority support, under leadership that commands broad assent, to defend their independence and self-respect. That’s a war that even the weaker side can win, especially if it needs to hold on only a few months longer to survive.


Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/why-us-canada-trade-talks-fell-apart/688386/?gift=nSqsbq99G5aLifkdkvvyM1ZUf0pE8JYC2ppY4-IK5F0

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But so will the US. It bewilders me to see so many Americans either don't get it or don't care. A 50% tariff goes into effect on the same day that this Administration drops the beef tariff to lower prices because American consumers are feeling the pressure of higher costs. Does anyone get how utterly ridiculous this looks?

But the larger, sadder issue is that we all might be witnessing the start of the decline of the Age of America. This isn't fun. This is depressing. Since WW2 ended, the US has been a force for good and right and the rule of law. And the world willfully followed. Everyone benefitted from this, especially the US. But you're unravelling it all. For what?

The trade wars this Administration chooses to enter are being watched around the world. You guys have Russia on your side and maybe North Korea. Think about that. I'm not gloating. Canada has huge problems and it's going to take years to unwind all the damage done by Trudeau but we're working on it. We just didn't think we'd also have to be addressing the damage now being done to us by the US too. This is incredibly sad and unnecessary.

I know I'll get responses from the puffed-out chest crowd here that doesn't like the message. Don't listen to me, that's fine. But listen to the bond markets because the bondholders are watching you. Bessent is trying calm the markets but they are getting skittish. If it works, great. Another debt crisis kicked down the road. But if foreign holders start dumping US bonds you guys are toast. So is Canada and the rest. We are all going to get dragged down in this. That's nothing to be gloating about. And it all could have been so easily avoided.

I know some of you will be offended by what I posted. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to offend. Just offering my thoughts as an outsider. Have a great day.

Unfortunately our supine Congress will not stop him, so we will be a major asshole for the next two years.

All we can hope for is that the damage won’t be permanent.

And after all the drama, that’s where the USA is headed.

You have yet to explain why Canada should have
continued to have a trade advantage.

bringing manufacturing back to the US.

Yes, America is declining. It is because American industries are declining. McDonald is not declining in America which employs a lot of people. Financial sector is not declining in America and that sector makes tons of money. But American industries are hallowed out which hurt even more people and national security.

I felt the same in 2016, but at least there were enough serious people to keep him in check.

But after Americans were foolish enough to give Trump the keys to the car again, especially to the guy who orchestrated January 6th, and who has proven to be severely lacking in character, then America becomes the country we deserve.

The face of our nation is corrupt, cruel, dishonest, impulsive, petty, destructive and incompetent.

We are no longer the bright shining city on the hill. And sadly, too many self absorbed and simple minded Americans don’t care.

Hoping that we start to reverse course in November.

Which is how we got Trump 2.0, way to go on that one Conor!

And watch the loses pile up. America is not declining. It’s about time we have a President who puts its own citizens first and not every other country. We don’t need to be the welfare program for the world. I don’t care to be the bright shining city on the hill. If our country is so bad, why are so many people fighting to get here?

If it is as bad as you claim, Im sure there are plenty of countries you can move to and start a business. Im sure they will welcome you with open arms, I hear Somalia, Ukraine and Iran would welcome you and your American hatred. I’ll even pitch in some miles to fly you there.

Asia due to Free Trade agreements. Who would want to mess with that formula?...top of the list?...Answer:...our enemies...most notably the former Russian KGB Colonel, Vladimir Putin, who invested resources and money to get Trump elected. Basic KGB classes would teach how to "Turn" a foreigner into a controllable 'Mole'...and getting the President of the USA in that role is a dream come true. There are further examples playing out in virtually all facets of America governance, including our military.

There's a method to the madness.

reasonable deal that helps Trump (US atm) while helping Canada.

The trade situation was inequitable before Trump.

Your country’s general “pile on mentality” against the US when Trump was elected was sad, but not surprising to anyone who has watched the shift to the left and socialism within your country. This socialism has been artificially supported in good part at the expense of these trade deals as well as the fact that your country enjoyed an economy essentially free in realistic terms of spending on defense.

Trump is Trump, but Canada chose the in your face approach to him. Further, Trudeau and later Carney went out of their way to irritate him for political gain.

Well, Canada has some choices to make.

You argue that the US has changed after more than a half century of leading. But you ignore two big realities in saying this:
1) Canada has shifted far to the left in comparison and along with the UK and parts of Europe has moved away from free world country policies.
2) The US held that “leader” role you mentioned where everyone followed because we were paying the tab and giving these other countries economic goodies. But the debt has risen and the tab s coming do.

The real questions are:
Can Canada exist without the artificial support of another country as it is presently set up?
- almost assuredly not in its present state w/out US (or China) support).
Can Carney swallow his pride for the sake of a country he leads? His work w the Bank of England was a mess. His ties w GS and the globalists is thick. I doubt it.

The answer is to accept the deal they did a few days ago before backing away. You elected a guy who is only loosely Canadian. I hope he doesn’t have other agendas higher than your own.

But I am sure they will blame Trump.

Ask our US farmers.

It’s time for a reciprocal agreement.

Carney’s hysterical comments mean nothing.

It’s time for Canada to trade fairly.

They really don’t have a choice.

He stopped the negotiations.

….especially given Carney’s background and history…..does he really have Canada’s interest ahead of other Globalist interests?

He wishes he was one of them, he does not represent Canadians here.

Is that the comment of someone who is looking to negotiate? Especially after HE walked away from the deal his negotiators brokered and accepted?

This plays well to the Canadian faction that has been simmering in anti American sentiment for a while being fed to them by their media.
For the PM of Canada to claim that they are at war with the US marks a new level of escalation - particularly since his own negotiators felt it was a reasonable deal and agreed to it before Carney stepped in.
Carney never meant to sign any deal. he is not working in the best interest of Canadians. He is also doing the same thing to the Canadian economy that he did to the UK banking system before they got rid of him.
Canada at this point is all in on getting rid of Trump, but here is the thing: these tariffs are controlled completely, and legally by the POTUS this time around. The Midterm Elections will not change them.
Thus, while Carney plays the longer game for his European Globalists to get the Dems back in charge to let the US gravy train restart, that cannot happen for at least 2 years which the Canadians cannot afford as even now they give govt subsidies to their businesses.
Industry will move back to the US (esp auto).
Canada is the sacrificial lamb for Carney's globalist play.

I know they’re pissed the US keeps winning the cup and took the Gold medal this year but they can go cry to someone who cares.

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When I was a teenager and Baywatch was on.

here, let me help.

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You might enjoy watching a good film. Inspiring.

See attached link.


Link: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_swear_2025

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Link: https://x.com/Hammer2008/status/2091009879552987535/video/1?s=61

Actually he was one of original founders of never Trump.

Same to you. You have TDS, no credibility to criticize Trump’s policy. Get healed first before talking about Trump!s policy.

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