You may be wondering how Trump can just ignore the trade agreement between the US and Canada (USMCA), and the long-standing amicable relationship between our two nations. You may be wondering how Trump can disrespect Canada in this way after we’ve been allies for years, fought every war of the last 30 years alongside the US and the tight bond that we’ve always held.

One excuse that may be used to justify these tariffs is the IEEPA.  

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is a U.S. law that gives the president extraordinary powers to address national emergencies that pose "unusual and extraordinary" threats to national security, foreign policy, or the economy. These threats must originate, at least in part, outside the United States. Signed into law in 1977, IEEPA provides the president with the authority to regulate international commerce and impose economic sanctions to protect the United States from these external threats.

You will recall when the tariffs were originally threatened on November 25th, the reason given was crime, drugs like fentanyl, and migrants crossing the border.

Let us have a closer look at what the end game is for Trump.

President Trump’s Stated Concerns About Canada

President Trump has raised concerns about issues at the U.S.-Canada border that he believes justify using the IEEPA to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. His concerns include:

1.  Undocumented Immigration

Trump has linked the tariffs to the issue of undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S.-Canada border. Reports show that migration numbers at the northern border have increased and doubled in the past year, although they remain much smaller than migration at the southern U.S.-Mexico border.

2.  Drug Trafficking

Trump has pointed to the flow of fentanyl through the U.S.-Canada border as a key concern. Canada is reportedly producing more crystal meth and fentanyl than its domestic market demands, and some of these drugs are ending up in the United States.

3.  Transnational Crime

Major transnational gangs, including those tied to Mexican cartels and Chinese money laundering, have reportedly established operations in Canada. Canada’s legal system is considered very soft on crime, making it difficult for law enforcement to crack down on these gangs effectively.

4.  Drug Manufacturing Materials

Chinese drug ingredient materials used to make drugs like fentanyl are reportedly entering Canada, contributing to drug production that affects the U.S.

Trump's justification for tariffs appears to stem from these issues, which he considers threats to national security and economic stability.

5.  Systemic Challenges in Canada’s Law Enforcement

Trump’s justification is partly rooted in criticisms of Canada’s legal system, which is said to prioritize the rights of the accused, making it harder for law enforcement to crack down on criminal activity. The U.S. appears to be frustrated by Canada's perceived inability to address these systemic issues effectively.

What is Trump’s real end game with these tariffs?

Let me put this in plain language. Is the reason he claims he is imposing the tariffs the real reason? The reason given is so that we will clean up all the crime in Canada.

We will not know what the real end game is for a while, however, there are four possible motivations

1) Encourage Americans to buy American by stepping on Canadian products

2) The usual and customary bullying

3) A cash grab to raise some money quickly within his first months in office. These funds will later be used to brag about an improvement in the economy that happened as soon as he got into office.

4) Actually, genuinely wanting to do the noble thing and help Canada to clean up its crime problem.

What would happen if the tables were turned on America?

Remember America’s war on drugs? Have you checked on it lately? Has America even made a dent in its drug problem since the war on drugs began in the 80s?

What would happen if tomorrow Canada said, “America we’re not going to allow your products into Canada anymore unless you clean up your drug problem.”

All trade would cease immediately because America has proven that it is incapable of solving its drug problem.

Mind you, the fentanyl issue is a serious crisis and not one to be taken lightly.

Fentanyl is a drug that has devastated the lives of thousands of people and their loved ones.

However, to put the burden for Fentanyl on Canada is just a little teensy bit suspicious, disingenuous, and turning a blind eye to the other major players in the production and distribution of fentanyl.

In regards to other serious crimes like murder, we are all aware that Dateline will never run out of episodes. Ever.

Why Action Against The Tariffs is Necessary

Trump claims he is protecting America from Canada. Right now, we’re not sure what his real motivation is. In either case, he is asking Canada to live up to a standard that America itself can not live up to. For this reason, the motivation behind the tariffs is a little suspect.

This is why we need to in turn protect Canada, stand up to the bullying and oppose the tariffs through retaliatory economic measures.

Find out here how to take action if the tariffs are implemented on January 20th, 2025.