Matthew Good Cancels U.S. Tour to Protest Trump Tariffs

Canadian musician Matthew Good has cancelled his upcoming U.S. tour dates in protest against the tariffs imposed by the government of U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, announced on March 2, 2024, via social media, reflects Good’s growing discontent with the political landscape in the United States and its impact on Canadian interests.

In his Facebook post, Good expressed his inability to “in good conscience carry out my dates this summer in your country.” He acknowledged the unfairness of the situation for his U.S. fans but emphasized his increasing disdain for the political climate. The four-time Juno Award winner pointed to the Canadian government’s recent decision to cancel a digital services tax on major corporations, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, as a pivotal factor in his choice to withdraw from the tour.

Financial Implications and Political Discourse

Good criticized Canada’s move to abandon the digital services tax, which was expected to generate approximately 2 billion dollars in revenue. He cited Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s announcement that this cancellation was made as a condition for resuming trade negotiations with the U.S. Good stated, “Recently, it was announced that after a year of an imposed digital services tax, we (Canada) are backing down from that, to appease Mr. Trump’s government.”

The musician also highlighted the increased costs associated with obtaining visas for U.S. performances and the fear of being denied entry due to expressing political opinions. He indicated that this situation compromises his credibility and free expression as an artist. “Giving up 30% of our earnings to a withholding tax, walking on eggshells at the border, and actively participating in the silencing of opinions, is a bigger cost to me personally,” he wrote.

Despite understanding the limited impact of his decision—given that it concerns a few thousand tickets—Good felt compelled to stand against the policies he perceives as detrimental to Canadian sovereignty. He remarked, “I can’t stand by and be quiet while our amazing country is bullied into walking away from billions in needed revenue.”

Call to Action for Fellow Artists

Good’s decision to cancel performances in cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo reflects a broader stance against what he describes as economic warfare. He invited other artists to join him in solidarity, acknowledging this request might be unfair to them. Despite his withdrawal, he encouraged fans to support the band Texas King, which was scheduled to join him on tour.

His protest is not merely an isolated event. Earlier in the year, following Trump’s comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, Good voiced his concerns on Instagram, expressing that he never expected to witness such significant political developments in his lifetime. He lamented that his family had fought in the Second World War for the freedoms and sovereignty of Canada.

As Good concluded his post, he urged Canadians to stand together. “In all of this, there will come a time to stand up and refuse to abandon this nation and what it means to truly be Canadian. I hope when that time comes, you will join me in doing so.”

This cancellation underscores the intersection of art and politics, illustrating how cultural figures engage with national issues. As the music industry continues to adapt to evolving political landscapes, Good’s actions may resonate with other artists facing similar dilemmas.