Donald Trump has put several countries through his diplomatic prism of suspicion. In his presidential campaign and since taking charge as President, he has accused several countries of having taken advantage of the United States. China, Germany, UK, Mexico have all faced the verbal ire of Trump. And now, it is the turn of long-term ally Canada.
Trump took to Twitter on Saturday to train his proverbial guns at America's northern neighbours. "I love Canada, but they’ve taken advantage of our Country for many years!" he wrote on the micro-blogging website.
I love Canada, but they’ve taken advantage of our Country for many years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2018
Trump then went on to say that there is no need for Canada to be in a new NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, US and Mexico) deal and the one currently in existence was 'worst trade deal ever made.' He even threatened to terminate NAFTA if Congress interfered with negotiations with Canada.
There is no political necessity to keep Canada in the new NAFTA deal. If we don’t make a fair deal for the U.S. after decades of abuse, Canada will be out. Congress should not interfere w/ these negotiations or I will simply terminate NAFTA entirely & we will be far better off...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2018
....Remember, NAFTA was one of the WORST Trade Deals ever made. The U.S. lost thousands of businesses and millions of jobs. We were far better off before NAFTA - should never have been signed. Even the Vat Tax was not accounted for. We make new deal or go back to pre-NAFTA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2018
Meanwhile, the US media has been relentless since Trump gave an interview to Bloomberg in which he said - apparently on the condition of it being off the record - that he won't be compromising with Canada. This was reportedly leaked and Toronto Star published the remark, understandably infuriating Trump.
Still can’t believe that Bloomberg violated a firm OFF THE RECORD statement. Will they put out an apology?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2018
Wow, I made OFF THE RECORD COMMENTS to Bloomberg concerning Canada, and this powerful understanding was BLATANTLY VIOLATED. Oh well, just more dishonest reporting. I am used to it. At least Canada knows where I stand!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2018
Trump's tweets on Saturday are now being seen as a fact that he has taken the diplomatic gloves off and is baring fangs to tear into Canada. Meanwhile, a pensive American diplomatic circle fears that the US President is alienating staunch allies by his words and posturing.
