There’s a growing narrative among right-wing media and Conservative supporters that paints Donald Trump as a misunderstood leader who only wants a “strong North America” while shifting all of Canada’s problems onto Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The argument goes something like this: Canadians have been misled into fearing Trump when, in reality, it’s Trudeau’s incompetence that’s weakening Canada, making the country a liability for the U.S.
This claim is not just wrong—it’s dangerous. It distorts reality, distracts from the true threats to Canada’s sovereignty, and serves a political agenda designed to keep voters misinformed. The truth is that Canada’s challenges do not begin or end with Trudeau, nor is Trump some benevolent force seeking to protect North America.
Canada faces serious issues, but misinformation—on both sides of the political spectrum—is making it harder to have an honest conversation about solutions.
Trump’s Record on Canada: Not the Actions of an Ally
If Trump truly wanted a strong, cooperative North America, his presidency would have reflected that. Instead, his administration was marked by direct attacks on Canada’s economic stability and political sovereignty.
Trade Wars That Harmed Canada; Trump imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada under the false pretence of “national security threats.” He forced Canada into a lopsided renegotiation of NAFTA, creating the USMCA, which disproportionately favored U.S. interests. He repeatedly attacked Canada’s dairy industry, attempting to dismantle a system that benefits Canadian farmers and consumers.
Undermining Allies While Embracing Authoritarians; Trump insulted Trudeau, calling him “weak” and “dishonest,” while openly praising leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. He threatened NATO allies and suggested he would let them fend for themselves, weakening North American security rather than strengthening it.
Interfering in Canadian Politics; Trump’s influence extends beyond policy—he has emboldened a faction of Canadian politicians who mimic his tactics, attacking the free press, scapegoating immigrants, and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
These are not the actions of a leader who respects Canada. And yet, some in Canada continue to push the idea that Trump has our country’s best interests at heart.
Trudeau’s Leadership: Problems That Exist, But Not in the Way Critics Claim
Misinformation campaigns frequently claim that Trudeau has destroyed Canada’s economy, driven away investment, and made the country dependent on foreign oil. While Trudeau’s leadership has been far from perfect, many of these claims are exaggerated or outright false.
Canada’s Energy Industry Is Still Thriving; Contrary to claims that Trudeau has “sold out” the natural resource sector, 99% of Canada’s oil exports go to the U.S., making Canada a crucial energy supplier. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, purchased and built by the federal government, directly contradicts the idea that Trudeau has abandoned the oil sector.
Investment and Economic Realities; While economic challenges exist—including inflation and affordability crises—blaming them solely on Trudeau ignores larger global factors. The U.S., Europe, and other economies face similar struggles, largely due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and corporate-driven price increases.
The Problem of Partisan Narratives
Trudeau’s critics often claim he is either an authoritarian socialist or a sellout to corporate interests—contradictory arguments that show how political messaging, rather than facts, drives much of the discourse. While Trudeau’s government should absolutely be scrutinized, reducing all of Canada’s challenges to his leadership alone is lazy and misleading.
The Larger Threat: A Canadian Government That Bows to Foreign Influence
If there’s one lesson Canada must take from the Trump era, it’s that our country’s sovereignty is always at risk when we align too closely with another nation’s political agenda—especially one as unstable as the U.S.
The real danger isn’t that Trump will invade Canada—it’s that his political influence will shape a Canadian government that prioritizes American corporate interests over Canadian self-determination.
This is not unique to Trump or the Republicans; Canada has historically had leaders who were either too deferential to U.S. power or too focused on aligning with international economic elites at the expense of ordinary Canadians.
This is where Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party come in.
Poilievre has mimicked Trump’s rhetoric, attacking the press and scapegoating immigrants.
He has surrounded himself with alt-right figures, some of whom have promoted conspiracy theories about globalism.
He has attacked climate policies that protect Canada’s long-term economic future.
That said, the problem isn’t just Poilievre or the Conservatives—it’s the way all parties, including the Liberals and NDP, have engaged in manipulative messaging, half-truths, and policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful over the average citizen.
Misinformation: The Real Weapon Against Canadian Democracy
This brings us to the biggest danger facing Canada today: the deliberate spread of misinformation, designed to divide the public and push political agendas.
The “Trump as Canada’s Savior” Narrative is a Distraction
By focusing on exaggerated claims about Trudeau’s failures, right-wing media deflects attention from Trump’s own disastrous policies and the ways he harmed Canada.
Misinformation Is Not Just a Conservative Problem
While Republicans and Conservatives have been particularly aggressive in their use of misinformation, all parties use selective framing to push their narratives. Canadians need to be critical of all political messaging, not just that which comes from the other side.
Misinformation Undermines Democracy
When political discourse is based on misleading claims, voters are unable to make informed decisions. This is exactly how authoritarian movements gain traction—by manipulating public perception and creating false enemies to rally against.
A Warning to Canadians: Don’t Fall for the Propaganda—From Any Side
The idea that Trump wants a strong Canada is a lie. The idea that Trudeau is the sole reason for Canada’s challenges is a lie. The idea that any one party or leader will “save” the country is a lie.
Canada’s biggest threat is not one individual leader but a political system increasingly driven by partisan manipulation, corporate influence, and misinformation.
The real challenge for Canadians is to resist the urge to blindly follow any political movement and to hold all parties accountable. A government that serves the people—not American interests, not corporate elites, and not partisan ideologues—should be the priority.
That requires rejecting simplistic narratives, questioning all leaders, and demanding better from everyone in power.
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