Trump’s Latest Move Threatens Key Canada-U.S. Think Tank

In a new executive order, U.S. President Donald Trump has targeted multiple institutions, including the Wilson Center, a prominent Washington think-tank that has played a crucial role in Canada-U.S. relations. This latest decision follows previous actions affecting Canadian industries such as steel, aluminum, and energy.

The Wilson Center, known for hosting Canadian political figures, diplomats, and policy discussions, has been ordered to scale back its activities to the minimum required by law. This directive puts the future of its Canada Institute—the only dedicated Canada-U.S. think-tank in the world—in jeopardy. The center, which also houses institutes focused on Mexico, China, and Russia, has been a key venue for Canadian policymakers, including former Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper.

Laura Dawson, a former director of the Canada Institute, expressed concern over the decision, calling it a major blow to Canada’s ability to maintain an informed presence in Washington. With the institute potentially losing access to federal funding and office space, its ability to facilitate discussions on cross-border issues may be severely diminished.

The Wilson Center’s leadership is now exploring ways to comply with the executive order while seeking alternative funding sources. President Mark Green emphasized the importance of private donations to sustain the center’s mission of providing research and policy insights. He highlighted that the organization, originally established by Congress in 1968, remains committed to fostering academic and public policy discussions.

The loss of the Canada Institute would leave Canada without a dedicated research body in Washington to help shape the conversation on bilateral issues. Dawson noted that the institute’s role was not about lobbying but about offering a neutral platform for discussions between Canadian and American officials. Without it, Canada’s ability to have its interests represented in Washington could face significant challenges.