Donald Trump’s return to the White House for his second term has been dominated by an aggressive push for protectionist trade policies. From steep tariffs on foreign goods to proposals like turning Canada into the “51st State,” his approach has stirred controversy globally. However, as the political and economic effects of his decisions unfold, both international allies and American citizens are giving his tariff-centric strategy a hard reality check.
This article explores how Trump’s policies are shaping the world’s economic and political landscape, what recent polls reveal about his popularity, and how countries like Canada and blocs like the EU and UK are responding.
Trump’s Tariff Policy and Domestic Discontent
Donald Trump has touted tariffs as a means to protect American jobs and industries. However, according to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, Trump now holds the lowest 100-day job approval rating of any US president in the past 80 years. The survey revealed mounting economic concerns, growing dissatisfaction over his policies, and increasing public fear of a looming recession.
Still, Trump dismissed the criticism. On Truth Social, he posted:
“The Polls from the Fake News are, like the News itself, FAKE! We are doing GREAT, better than ever before.”
Despite the bravado, the poll also found that Trump still leads Democrats in public trust to handle national issues, suggesting that while his style may be polarizing, many Americans still see him as a capable leader in some areas.
Canada Pushes Back: “Canada is Not for Sale”
One of the boldest reactions to Trump’s trade stance has come from Canada, which held its federal elections on Monday. Trump’s repeated statements suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state of the US have not gone unnoticed.
In a Truth Social post aimed at Canadian voters, Trump wrote:
“Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half… have your Car, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, Energy, and all other businesses QUADRUPLE in size, WITH ZERO TARIFFS OR TAXES, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State of the United States.”
While Trump’s message may have been designed to entice Canadian voters, it likely had the opposite effect. The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, made a strong comeback using slogans such as:
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“Elbows up.”
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“Canada is not for sale.”
Carney also emphasized the need to redefine Canada’s economic future independently from the US, pushing back against American influence. As per the latest projections, Carney’s party is expected to win the election.
Europe Pushes Forward: UK-EU Trade Unity
Across the Atlantic, the UK and the European Union appear to be moving closer than they have in years—united not just by shared interests but also by a mutual opposition to Trump’s tariffs. According to Politico, Britain and the EU are preparing to sign a formal declaration committing to “free and open trade”, a direct response to the current US protectionist stance.
This renewed collaboration is especially significant given the fractured post-Brexit relationship between the two. It indicates that global players are actively seeking alternatives to US-dominated trade arrangements, preparing for a world where America may no longer play the role of economic stabilizer.
Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Backfiring
Trump’s trade policies are designed to reduce dependence on foreign imports, bring manufacturing jobs back to the US, and strengthen American industries like steel, aluminum, automotive, and energy. However, these policies are beginning to yield unintended consequences:
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Retaliatory Tariffs: Several countries have introduced countermeasures, increasing tariffs on American goods.
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Supply Chain Disruption: US companies reliant on foreign parts and goods are facing increased costs, forcing them to raise prices or cut production.
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Global Trade Realignment: Countries like Canada, the UK, and EU are realigning their trade partnerships to exclude or minimize reliance on the US.
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Investor Concerns: Stock and bond markets have shown signs of unease amid uncertainty over trade policies.
Economic Impact and Recession Fears
The fear of a recession looms large in public discourse. Trump’s tariff-heavy policies, coupled with inflation concerns and stagnant wage growth, have made consumers and investors wary. The Ipsos poll showed broad fears of economic downturn, which could further hurt Trump’s approval ratings if economic indicators worsen.
Moreover, the US dollar has shown volatility in recent weeks as trade tensions escalate. Analysts worry that if the global economy moves into a phase of regional trade blocs, the long-term dominance of the US dollar could be challenged.
Conclusion: A Shifting Global Order
Donald Trump’s trade war is no longer just a national issue—it’s reshaping the global economic and political order. While he maintains a base of loyal supporters, recent developments in Canada, Europe, and within the US show that his tariff policies are under serious scrutiny.
Whether it’s Mark Carney’s electoral revival, the UK-EU trade unity, or growing domestic discontent, Trump is facing opposition from multiple directions. His presidency’s success may hinge on whether he can adapt to these realities or continues to push a policy agenda increasingly at odds with global and public sentiment.