Trump’s Tariff Threats Sour Canadian Opinion of U.S., Ipsos Poll Finds

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about making Canada the 51st state have deeply angered Canadians, with nearly 70% now holding a more negative view of the United States, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted for Global News.

The survey found that 68% of respondents think less of the U.S. following Trump’s push for 25% tariffs on Canadian imports—a move that was temporarily paused earlier this week. Nearly half of those polled (46%) said their negative perception of the U.S. was strong.

Sean Simpson, senior vice president of Ipsos Public Affairs, noted the intensity of the responses. “This isn’t just a casual opinion. It’s visceral, and many Canadians intend to act on it,” he said.

‘Buy Canadian’ Movement Gains Momentum

In response to Trump’s economic threats, two-thirds of Canadians surveyed said they would now avoid purchasing U.S.-made goods, fueling a growing “Buy Canadian” movement. A similar proportion of respondents also indicated they would avoid traveling to the U.S., with 45% strongly committed to that decision.

Older Canadians—particularly those 55 and over—expressed the strongest anti-U.S. sentiment, likely due to their historical perspective on Canada-U.S. relations and their reliance on winter travel to the U.S. “Many are longtime snowbirds, and they’re saying, ‘My gosh, what is going on here?’” Simpson explained.

Economic Anxiety and Calls for Government Support

Beyond the diplomatic fallout, Trump’s trade policies have also stoked economic fears. Nearly 60% of Canadians believe their personal financial situation will suffer as a result of Trump’s actions. Moreover, 60% support a major federal subsidy program—similar to COVID-19 relief measures—to protect workers impacted by U.S. tariffs and potential Canadian retaliatory measures.

While Ottawa has put relief efforts on hold following the temporary tariff pause, officials say businesses affected by trade disruptions will have the option to apply for “exceptional relief” if needed.

Canadians Divided on Leadership in U.S. Relations

Despite strong anti-Trump sentiment, Canadians are split on whether their political leaders can effectively manage relations with his administration. Just under half expressed confidence in the government’s ability to navigate Trump’s trade war, while 38% were skeptical.

This divide extends to Canada’s broader political landscape, where Trump’s tariffs have emerged as a central election issue. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau facing declining approval ratings and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre leading in the polls—albeit with a narrowing margin—Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker says the key question for voters is shifting toward who is best equipped to handle Trump.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, currently running for re-election, has made standing up to Trump a core campaign message, while dissatisfaction remains high in western provinces like Alberta, where distrust of the federal Liberal government remains strong.

As tensions with the U.S. escalate, one thing is clear: Trump’s trade policies have reshaped Canadian public opinion, with lasting economic and political implications.