As the U.S. election approaches, former President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, making unfounded claims and reigniting past tensions. On Monday, Trump repeated a debunked theory suggesting Trudeau is the son of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro. This accusation comes amidst a series of comments where Trump has labeled Trudeau as “two-faced,” “weak,” and a “far-left lunatic.”
Historical Tensions
The relationship between Trump and Trudeau has been fraught with personal and political conflicts. Carleton University political scientist Aaron Ettinger notes that if Trump wins re-election and Trudeau remains Prime Minister, their interactions will start from a foundation of mistrust.
During Trump’s presidency, trade disputes and perceived slights marked their relationship. The 2018 Charlevoix G7 summit, where Trudeau declared Canada would not be “pushed around” by U.S. tariffs, saw Trump respond with public insults, calling Trudeau “very dishonest & weak.”
Recent Comments and Claims
In a recent online interview, Trump falsely asserted that Trudeau could be Castro’s son, a theory widely discredited after Castro’s death in 2016. Trump claimed, “Anything’s possible in this world,” while also criticizing Trudeau’s progressive policies, suggesting that a strong conservative could win in Canada.
Despite their personal differences, Trump admitted, “I get along with him very well actually,” but continued to criticize Trudeau’s political stance, saying Canada was unhappy with his leadership.
Trade and Defense Disputes
Trump’s administration imposed tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, complicating NAFTA renegotiations. Trump’s notorious comment during a phone call with Trudeau, referencing the War of 1812, exemplified the strained relations: “Didn’t you guys burn down the White House?” Trump reportedly asked, highlighting his confrontational approach.
NATO and Defense Spending
During the 2019 NATO meetings, Trudeau and other leaders were caught on camera seemingly mocking Trump. In response, Trump called Trudeau “two-faced” and criticized Canada for not meeting NATO’s defense spending target, spending only 1.38% of its GDP on defense in 2023.
Freedom Convoy and COVID-19
In early 2022, amid the Freedom Convoy protests, Trump directly attacked Trudeau, calling him a “far-left lunatic” for his COVID-19 policies. This marked one of Trump’s most direct public criticisms of the Canadian Prime Minister.
Future Prospects
According to former national security adviser John Bolton and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, Trump’s personal dislike for Trudeau complicates diplomatic relations. Scaramucci suggested Trump is “very jealous” of Trudeau, citing his youth and appearance as factors.
Despite these challenges, experts like Ettinger emphasize that Canada’s reliance on the U.S. market and military underscores the significance of stable U.S.-Canada relations. Ettinger warns that a Trump return to office could bring renewed uncertainty for Canada’s foreign policy.
