A former senior adviser to Donald Trump says it won’t be easy for Canada to return the former president to the White House.
• Read more: What to remember from Donald Trump’s testimony
• Read more: Trump trial: Debates end without former president’s testimony
“Trump’s second term will create uncertainty and confusion in America’s foreign relations, and I believe that will have a certain impact on Canada,” John Bolton said in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
Notably, the former U.S. ambassador to the UN noted that Canada’s military spending is still not at the promised level, which could pose a problem for him, before advising President Trump on national security.
On trade, Donald Trump has already said he plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods entering the US.
Despite the new version of the free trade agreement negotiated by the Trump administration, according to Mr Bolton, “trade disputes between Canada and the United States could become particularly acute”.
Despite his multiple contests through the law, the former president stands a good chance of winning the November 5 presidential election.
Not only is he neck and neck with Joe Biden in national polling intentions, some polls have him ahead in some key states.
Trump doesn’t really like Trudeau
Justin Trudeau rubbed shoulders with Donald Trump during his presidency from 2017 to 2021.
In a book titled The room where it happenedDonald Trump “didn’t really like Justin Trudeau” but “tolerated him,” writes John Bolton.
“There were personality differences between Trump and Trudeau, and I don’t think they’re going away,” he said in an interview.
The Canadian ambassador was unconcerned
Asked if Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is a concern, Canada’s ambassador to Washington responded in a defiant tone.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Kristen Hillman says.
“Under his administration, we just negotiated the 99% tariff elimination agreement between Canada and the United States. He was the one who negotiated it with us,” he said.
According to him, Canada “should be exempt” from any new tariff measures introduced by Donald Trump.
As for Canada’s military expenditures, Ambassador Hillman responded that they are increasing.
“They’re very happy with the upward trajectory of our spending,” he said of the Biden administration.
The Canadian government recently announced that Canada’s military spending will increase to 1.76% of the national GDP by 2029-2030.
This is below the 2% target set by NATO countries.
