Trump’s Tariff War - A Push for Militarization and a Shift in Sovereignty?
Read Brian Sankarsingh's thoughts about the tariffs being used to pressure Canada
Yesterday at the gym, I was casually looking at the television and something caught my attention. The anchor was talking about how Canada just leased two BlackHawk helicopters that were going to be used to patrol the borders for illegal crossing. The entire piece was surreal. For a moment I wondered what country I was living in. Was this the same place that I had chosen to immigrate to 40 years ago? The place I loved because they called me an immigrant while just south of the border, I would be called an alien? These thoughts flooded and consumed me that night; mostly because I had already been thinking about it - as evidenced by last week’s article - and because of what I’ve observed happening south of the border.
The U.S. and Canada have historically cooperated on border security, but Donald Trump's expected demands may go beyond cooperation and veer into aggressive bullying. Through increased tariffs he has resorted to blackmailing Canada into ramping up surveillance, increase deportations, and even adopt policies that mirror the controversial U.S. approach to immigration. In other words, Trump may be attempting to transform Canada into a security extension of the U.S. rather than a sovereign nation with its own policies. Thus, his rhetoric that Canada become the “51st state.”
Of course, this immediately raises concerns about Canada’s independence in setting its own immigration and border policies. If Canada caves to Trump’s demands, it could mean stricter entry policies for migrants, expanded detention facilities, and even harsher crackdowns on asylum seekers—all hallmarks of the Trump-era approach to immigration in the U.S. The implications of Trump’s influence over Canada’s border policies extend beyond immigration. The President has consistently praised leaders who adopt nationalist, authoritarian policies, and his vision of governance often revolves around exporting his ideology. If he succeeds in pressuring Canada into adopting or mirroring his hardline and heartless border policies, it could serve as a steppingstone for further alignment in other areas, such as a more militaristic law enforcement, gun-worship, surveillance, and even cultural shifts toward American-style neo-Christian radical conservatism. In essence, Trump’s push for a tougher Canadian border may not just be about stopping migrants—it could be about reshaping Canada itself. By urging Canada to mirror the U.S. in security policy, Trump may be laying the groundwork for a more Americanized Canada, one that aligns ideologically and operationally with his vision for the U.S.
While Canada has historically maintained its own approach to immigration, it remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his successor or maybe the leader of another party will be able to resist mounting pressure from the Trump administration. We can expect his demands to get harsher with respect to measures at the northern border. The economic pressures trade war means Canada will face a critical choice: fight hard to maintain its independent policies or succumb to U.S. influence. If Canada follows Trump’s lead, it risks losing the defining characteristics of its more open, humanitarian approach to immigration. However, resisting Trump will definitely put a strain on Canada’s economy. There is also a seedy underbelly of racism and white supremacy overlaying this entire conversation. We know that Canada and most Canadians are tolerant people who are welcoming and open to people of all races. However, with the rise of Trumpism 2.0 in the USA many covert racists in Canada have become emboldened. Canadians will have to be vigilant to ensure that this racist ideology does not begin to contaminate the public discourse and the conversations that happen around the dinner table.
Trump’s aggressive and downright inhumane stance on border security and immigration has already left a significant mark on U.S. immigration policy. With his return to the White House, he has fixated on enveloping Canada into his twisted version of “democracy. As Canada navigates its response, the world will be watching to see if it stands firm in its values or bows to pressure from a leader intent on remaking the North American landscape in his own image. With a provincial election in Ontario and a federal election on the horizon, I encourage all Canadians to tell their potential government leaders that they MUST stand up for “the true North, strong and free!” Our Canadian values are non-negotiable, and we will NOT capitulate to fascism or authoritarianism. Canada is not for sale, and we are not here to bargain away our freedom. Right now, Elon Musk and other oligarchs are using POTUS to put pressure on Canada but if we close ranks and buy Canadian they will feel the financial pinch. Let’s speak to them in a language they understand.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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