What is normally friendly competition at NHL and NBA games has recently taken a more serious tone, with Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem before games. This is a strange phenomenon, considering that the two countries often refer to each other as their closest allies and friends. However superficial a hockey game may seem, I would argue that this is a more grassroots indicator of the complex nature of the U.S.-Canada relationship—one that lacks the deep affinity often portrayed and instead carries underlying tension, contempt, and indifference.
Culturally, Anglophone Canada and the U.S. are very similar. Both locals and foreigners often mistake tourists’ and celebrities’ nationalities, usually assuming they are American. Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged this in an interview with CNN, saying, “One of the ways we define ourselves most easily is, well, we’re not American.” Yet most Americans don’t realize that a significant part of Canadian nationalism and identity has long been defined in opposition to the U.S. This isn’t just about pride in Canada’s identity—it often takes on an explicitly anti-American tone. A quick internet search will show countless Canadians offended at being mistaken for Americans, with some going so far as to mock real American issues, such as school shootings and inadequate access to healthcare. While Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric have intensified this sentiment, it would be a mistake to credit it solely to his adversarial approach. The reality is that these feelings have existed for much longer. At the same time, Trump’s actions also reveal something important: that Americans likely never held Canada in such high regard as commonly assumed.
Although Trump has been aggressive toward Canada, it is not solely up to him to impose tariffs. The American people elected a Republican majority in Congress, and it is within Congress’s power both to check Trump’s tariffs and to push back against his rhetoric. Yet, there has been little to no accountability. Perhaps this is because Americans don’t prioritize foreign policy, but I expected more outrage from a public that would consider Canada a friend. The truth is that the average American rarely thinks about Canada at all. This passive indifference has contributed to an illusion of allyship—one that many confuse for a deep, mutual friendship. Trump seems to recognize this reality, or else he wouldn’t so casually call for Canada to be the 51st state, even if in jest.
Not only has Trump managed to bubble up Canada’s anti-American sentiment to the surface, but he has also catalyzed a more aggressive form of Canadian nationalism. In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney stated, “Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life.” But again, I don’t want to give Trump too much credit. Canadian leaders chose to escalate their rhetoric, painting Americans as villains and existential threats. It’s also worth noting that Americans have by popular vote preferred Democratic presidents in four of the last five elections. Canada’s leadership should knows this, yet both its left and right wings have chosen to escalate anti-American nationalism, ostensibly for political gain. Ironically, many Canadians harshly criticize Trump’s nationalism while eagerly embracing their own nationalist rhetoric which includes a similar sentiment of superiority. Interestingly, Canada’s sense of superiority isn’t just reserved for its closest ally. It can also be seen in its attitude toward Mexico –another theoretical ally. For example, in response to Trumps initial rhetoric, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “I want to emphasize, to compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States of America.” This is a clear display of viewing Mexico as inferior. This is the same leader who was prepared to impose tariffs on Minnesota and New York—two states that voted for the Canada-friendly Kamala Harris, not Trump. If nationalism and a superiority complex is a problem when it comes from Trump and his supporters, why is it acceptable when it comes from Canadian leaders? This contradiction should not be ignored.
Now, Let’s take a step back. I’m not arguing that Canada should passively accept Trump’s tariffs and rhetoric. I expect Canada to act in its own interests. However, as someone who believes Canada should remain a strong ally with its own sovereignty and self-determination, it is disappointing to see a lack of thoughtfulness in its response. Canada is often placed on a pedestal as America’s closest friend and one of the kindest countries on Earth. Yet, these recent developments reveal a more complicated reality—one that challenges these positive stereotypes.
Instead of performative apologies to a country that has shown mixed feelings toward the U.S., Americans should focus on breaking the conditions that allowed Trump to rise in the first place. This means confronting the failures that have allowed Congress to cede its duty to check executive power.
While it’s uncertain what will come next for U.S.-Canada relations, I remain optimistic that allyship can be restored. America should prioritize prosperity for its citizen, however, never at the expense of others. And ironically, that starts at home with America first. Not by Trump’s approach, but rather by dismantling the oligarchic systems that have fueled our division, weakened our democracy, and which lay at the root of many of our most serious issues.
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Post-Note:
This essay is intended to challenge the oversimplified portrayal of the U.S.-Canada relationship. While I see anti-American sentiment in Canada as a real issue for the U.S., I also acknowledge that the alliance and partnership between the two countries is real. Furthermore, citizens of both nations have historically viewed each other in a net-positive way –and I do too. The inflammatory nationalism coming from both countries’ leadership deserves scrutiny and should be challenged. At the end of the day, all relationships are complex and interesting and this essay has been a fun exercise for me in writing and analyzing a less talked about facet of that relationship.
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Sources and Relevant Readings:
NYT. The Daily: Elbows Up: Canada’s Response to Trump’s Trade War, Mar 13, 2025 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000699012525&r=658
CNN. Trump’s threat to annex Canada ‘a real thing,’ Trudeau tells business leaders – https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/07/americas/trudeau-trump-canada-annex-intl-latam/index.html
CBC. Ford says Trump’s tariff threat ‘like a family member stabbing you in the heart’ – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-trump-tariffs-canada-reaction-1.7393414