Donald Trump Shrugs Off Canada's Elections: “I Don’t Care” If Liberals Win

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his blunt remarks on international politics, this time about Canada’s upcoming elections. In a recent interview on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle, Trump dismissed concerns over whether the Liberal Party of Canada would win the upcoming election, stating, “I don’t care… I think it’s easier to deal, actually, with a liberal.” His comments have sparked debates on both sides of the border, raising questions about U.S.-Canada relations, trade policies, and the future of political alignment between the two nations.

Trump’s stance comes amid a tense relationship with Canada, one that has been marked by trade disputes and his repeated jabs at making Canada the 51st U.S. state. His administration previously imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, leading to strained economic ties. Despite his rocky relationship with Canada, Trump appears indifferent to which party takes control in the upcoming election.

Trump’s Comments on the Canadian Election

During the interview, host Laura Ingraham noted that Trump’s treatment of Canada might actually boost the ruling Liberal Party, potentially leading to a government less favorable to the U.S. However, Trump quickly dismissed the concern, stating, “I don’t care. I think it’s easier to deal, actually, with a liberal, and maybe they’re going to win, but I don’t really care. It doesn’t matter to me at all.”

His comments took direct aim at the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre. “The conservative that’s running is, stupidly, no friend of mine. I don’t know him, but he said negative things,” Trump said. “When he says negative things, I couldn’t care less.”

The State of Canada’s Upcoming Election

Canada is set to hold its next federal election by October 20, 2025, though an earlier vote remains a possibility. The election was initially expected to be a decisive victory for the Conservatives, with the Liberals struggling due to widespread dissatisfaction with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership. However, recent political shifts have significantly altered the landscape.

Trudeau’s resignation and the appointment of former central banker Mark Carney as the new Liberal leader have given the party a fresh boost. Carney’s leadership has helped the Liberals regain momentum, with several recent opinion polls showing the party narrowing the gap with the Conservatives or even pulling ahead.

The Liberals have aggressively framed Poilievre as a right-wing populist in the mold of Trump, attempting to associate him with controversial political stances. One of their campaign advertisements directly compares Poilievre to Trump, pointing to his past support for anti-government protests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Battle Between Carney and Poilievre

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, has positioned himself as a strong nationalist with the slogan “Canada First,” a clear counter to Trump’s “America First” rhetoric. He has focused his campaign on economic concerns, particularly the cost of living crisis and Canada’s deepening housing affordability issues.

Poilievre has also worked to distance himself from both the Trudeau and Carney factions, arguing that the new Liberal leader is merely a continuation of the unpopular policies of the previous government. However, his association with right-wing populism and his previous statements on controversial protests have made him a target for Liberal attacks.

Despite Trump’s dismissive attitude, Poilievre has actively sought to portray himself as a leader who will stand up to the United States, particularly in response to Trump’s past threats to impose economic penalties on Canada.

U.S.-Canada Relations Under Trump

Trump’s tenure as U.S. president was marked by a tumultuous relationship with Canada. His administration imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, engaged in heated trade negotiations over the USMCA agreement, and frequently clashed with Trudeau. His most controversial remarks about Canada included threats to “take over” the country and make it the 51st state, comments that were widely criticized but remained a part of his broader nationalist rhetoric.

Trump’s latest comments reinforce the idea that he views Canada’s political situation as largely irrelevant to U.S. interests. His statement that he prefers dealing with liberals over conservatives suggests that he prioritizes transactional relationships over ideological alignment.

However, his remarks may also signal an opportunity for the Liberal Party to use Trump’s words against Poilievre, portraying him as an unpopular figure even among right-wing leaders outside Canada. If the Liberals succeed in making Poilievre appear as Canada’s version of Trump, it could further impact voter perception.

The Political Fallout

Trump’s remarks have the potential to influence the Canadian election in unexpected ways. On one hand, his disdain for Poilievre could help the Conservative leader appear independent of Trump-style politics, which may appeal to moderate voters who are wary of right-wing populism. On the other hand, the Liberals could use Trump’s words to reinforce their narrative that Poilievre is an extremist leader who does not align with Canadian values.

For Canadian voters, the election is ultimately about domestic issues—affordable housing, inflation, healthcare, and governance. However, Trump’s influence on the campaign, whether direct or indirect, could shape public perception and voter behavior.

The Conservative Party and the Liberal Party have not yet responded to Trump’s comments. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Poilievre will try to distance himself further from Trump or whether the Liberals will capitalize on the association to rally their base.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s blunt dismissal of Canada’s election may seem like an offhand remark, but it has the potential to impact the political landscape. By stating that he “doesn’t care” who wins and suggesting that he prefers dealing with liberals, Trump has inadvertently inserted himself into Canada’s ongoing political battle.

His negative remarks about Poilievre could either harm or help the Conservative leader, depending on how Canadian voters perceive Trump’s influence. Meanwhile, the Liberals may find Trump’s words useful in their effort to frame Poilievre as an extreme figure.

With Canada’s election on the horizon, the battle between Poilievre and Carney is intensifying. While Trump may claim indifference, his words have already sparked discussions and could play a role in shaping voter sentiment in the coming months. Whether Canada leans left or right in the next election, one thing is certain—the U.S., and particularly Trump, will continue to be a significant factor in its political discourse.