[x]

Trump could have pushed not for tariffs but for a total no-tariffs either way with Canada. That would have been received positively in Canada and backed more strongly by Canadian conservatives than the Liberals.

Doubtful. Trump imposed the tariffs because Canadians wouldn't drop theirs.

[Wuli]

“Doubtful. Trump imposed the tariffs because Canadians wouldn’t drop theirs. “

Not true. Negotiations with Canada over tariffs were ongoing and considered “cordial” from February 2025 thru October 2025.

Then in a fit of personal pique, Trump announced an end to negotiations in October 2025 after a television ad, funded by the Ontario provincial government (not the national government), criticized U.S. tariff policy. Childish reaction and downhill from there.