As Donald Trump sets his sights on the Canadian election, one thing is crystal clear: loyalty is his currency, and Pierre Poilievre is ready to pay up. The former U.S. president, whose tenure was marked by divisive policies, economic disruption, and a flair for populist rhetoric, seems to have found in Poilievre the perfect political ally—someone who values loyalty above all else, even if it means overlooking the well-being of the Canadian people.
Trump's Economic Sabotage to Boost Poilievre’s Chances
Yesterday, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social his plan to impose a staggering 25% tax on Canadian imports once he’s back in office, a move that fits squarely into his broader strategy of economic disruption aimed at destabilizing Canada. By launching an aggressive tariff war against Canadian goods, Trump seeks to cripple key sectors of the Canadian economy, raising prices for consumers, hurting businesses, and causing economic uncertainty. This deliberate economic sabotage, reminiscent of his trade wars with China, would have a direct impact on Canada’s middle-class and working families.
But Trump's motivations aren't just economic—he’s also looking to set the stage for political chaos. By orchestrating an economic crisis, he is undoubtedly planning to pin the blame squarely on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the economic consequences. The President-elect is already pointing the finger in advance, framing his tariff policy as a response to thousands of alleged illegal aliens and fentanyl pouring over the Canadian border into the United States. Ultimately, Trump hopes to create the perfect storm of discontent that would benefit his ally Pierre Poilievre, whom he believes could capitalize on public outrage to win the next election. This cynical political maneuver is designed not only to harm the Canadian economy but also to help Poilievre’s chances by manipulating voter sentiment, all while deflecting any responsibility for the damage Trump himself is causing.
Loyalty Over Leadership
Donald Trump has always been a man who prizes loyalty above almost everything else. Whether it was his loyal band of supporters or his circle of advisers who turned a blind eye to his most controversial actions, Trump’s presidency was defined by a strict adherence to those who were "loyal" to him. The idea of loyalty—without regard for truth, competence, or integrity—was a cornerstone of his political philosophy.
Enter Pierre Poilievre, a politician who has made his name by unapologetically siding with conservative populism, attacking the liberal elite, and—most importantly—expressing unreserved admiration for Trump. Poilievre’s loyalty to Trump is evident in his rhetoric, his policies, and his repeated efforts to emulate the former president's combative, no-holds-barred style. However loyalty, while admirable in certain contexts, is not a substitute for sound leadership.
By hitching his wagon to Trump’s brand of divisive politics, Poilievre risks undermining the very democratic values he claims to uphold. After all, loyalty to an individual or an ideology should not come at the expense of the country’s well-being, nor should it be used as a tool to manipulate public opinion for partisan gain.
Poilievre and Trump's Shared Values
At the heart of both Trump’s and Poilievre’s political strategies lies a populist vision that thrives on division and discontent. From anti-immigrant rhetoric to the demonization of the "elite," both leaders have built their political brands by appealing to working-class voters who feel left behind by the system. While populism can be an effective tool for mobilizing a base, it comes with dangerous consequences.
Under Trump, populism translated into a presidency marked by deepening political polarization, social unrest, and reckless decision-making. His policies often favoured the wealthy and powerful while neglecting the very people he claimed to represent. Poilievre’s embrace of this style of politics raises similar concerns for Canada. While he presents himself as a champion of the people, his policies often reflect a thinly veiled attempt to shore up his own political power and advance a conservative agenda that benefits the few, not the many.
One of the most troubling aspects of Poilievre’s populism is his willingness to exploit the grievances of ordinary Canadians without offering meaningful solutions to their problems. Like Trump, Poilievre taps into frustration with the political establishment but offers little in the way of substantive change. Instead, he relies on a diet of anger, fear, and scapegoating, hoping to unite the country under a banner of anti-elitism without addressing the root causes of economic inequality, healthcare crises, and climate change.
A Dangerous Path for Canada
For Trump, Poilievre will offer the loyalty he craves, a fellow populist willing to challenge the status quo and toe the line. For Poilievre, Trump represents an opportunity to position himself as the leader of a populist movement that can appeal to the disaffected, the angry, and the disenfranchised.
But this partnership comes at a significant cost. It risks alienating Canada from its most important trade partner, undermining the principles of democratic governance, and entrenching a politics of division that could deepen the country’s social and economic divides. Trump’s brand of politics is toxic, and Poilievre’s uncritical embrace of it threatens to drag Canada down a dangerous path—one where loyalty to a foreign leader takes precedence over the needs of the Canadian people.
Canada deserves a leader who will prioritize the long-term well-being of the country over political expediency. Poilievre’s loyalty to Trump may give him a short-term political advantage, but in the long run, it could cost Canada dearly. If Poilievre truly wants to lead, he must break free from the shackles of loyalty to an ideology that has already shown itself to be reckless, divisive, and harmful to the global order.
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