U.S. politicians condemn Trump’s ‘chaotic’ trade war against Canada

U.S. political leaders, including at least one Republican, are warning that President Donald Trump’s escalating trade feud with Canada will raise costs for U.S. families and businesses, while damaging a longstanding relationship with the nation’s closest ally.

The widespread criticism comes after Canada pulled out of trade talks late Friday night and promised 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on CA$20 billion in Canadian imports kicked in on Saturday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Saturday that Canada would enact dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on Sept. 8, the Monday after Labour Day weekend.

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As happened during the Trump administration’s initial trade hostilities in 2025, the dispute has become a major political issue in states that rely heavily on trade with Canada.

“Canada is NOT the 51st state. Trump owes our friends and neighbors an apology for nearly 2 years of his boorish insults and jeers, ” Democratic Washington State Senator Patty Murray wrote on X , calling Canada the state’s largest trading partner.

Canada is NOT the 51st state. Trump owes our friends and neighbors an apology for nearly 2 years of his boorish insults and jeers. Canada IS Washington state’s biggest trading partner and our country’s closest ally. Dump Trump’s tariffs. NO TRADE WAR. 🇺🇸🇨🇦

According to the Washington Council on International Trade , 29 per cent of all imports between April 2025 and this March — approximately $21 billion in goods — came from Canada.