John Bolton Slams Trump’s Economic Threats Against Canada

UPDATE: Tensions are escalating as former National Security Advisor John Bolton criticizes President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threats to use “economic force” against Canada. In an urgent interview on CTV Morning Live Edmonton, Bolton expressed concern over Trump’s lack of understanding of tariffs and the potential implications for U.S.-Canada relations.

Just announced: Canada’s premiers are convening an emergency meeting today to strategize in response to Trump’s aggressive tariff rhetoric. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging provincial leaders to gather in Ottawa next week, the urgency of the situation is palpable as they seek a unified response to Trump’s escalating economic threats.

Bolton, a fierce critic of Trump, remarked, “I don’t think it’s a strategy. I think it’s a series of neuron flashes.” He emphasized that while Trump may not intend to use military force, his fixation on tariffs poses significant risks for Canadian businesses and consumers. “He doesn’t understand tariffs. He thinks we impose big tariffs on Canada, but the American importer ultimately pays the tariff,” Bolton explained, underscoring the potential fallout from these miscalculations.

As premiers adopt varying stances, Alberta’s approach appears conciliatory, with a focus on strengthening borders rather than confrontation. Bolton suggested, “If the premier of Alberta plays golf, I think you ought to call Trump up, offer to come down and speak with him over a round of golf.” This unconventional tactic highlights the unpredictable nature of Trump’s negotiations, leaving Alberta’s strategy uncertain.

The political landscape in Canada is shifting, especially with Trudeau’s potential resignation on the horizon. Bolton stated that a new prime minister should be in place by January 20, 2024, to effectively negotiate with the incoming U.S. administration. He urged a collaborative effort among political leaders to address Trump’s tariff plans, which remain ambiguous and could change significantly in the near future.

As discussions unfold, Bolton warned that a trade war among Western democracies would have detrimental effects for all parties involved. “Just because one side in a negotiation acts crazy doesn’t mean it’s going to benefit the other side to do the same,” he cautioned.

The stakes are high as Canada braces for potential economic challenges posed by Trump’s administration. With discussions ongoing, the situation remains fluid, and the outcome could greatly impact Canadian consumers and industries. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the premiers strategize their next moves in the face of Trump’s unpredictable economic threats.