In a fiery response to President Donald Trump's recent trade policies, Canadian lawmaker Charlie Angus has launched a blistering critique, suggesting that the U.S. leader's actions are putting the economic relationship between the two neighboring countries at risk. Angus, a member of the New Democratic Party and a veteran of the Canadian Parliament, did not hold back during an interview on the MeidasTouch Network, especially regarding Trump’s escalating tariffs.
On March 17, 2025, Angus made clear that the Canadian economy is too vast and resilient to be bullied by the tariffs imposed by Trump, which include a significant 25 percent levy on aluminum and steel imports from Canada, along with similar tariffs on other goods from the country and Mexico. “The economy is something bigger and broader and smarter than your stupidity right now,” Angus asserted, adding that Canada seeks to normalize trade relations but needs the tariffs lifted first.
“We want to go back to working with the communities on the other side of the border that we’ve worked with for generations, who are our friends, who are our neighbors,” he stated, warning Trump, “But if you’re going to make them our enemy, well, Donald, we’re going to fight you the whole way, and you’re going to lose.” Angus's remarks reflected the growing frustration and anger mounting among Canadians in response to Trump’s rhetoric and policies.
Over the past weeks, Trump's aggressive trade stance has ignited outrage in Canada, with some citizens beginning to boycott U.S. products. Angus emphasized the emotional toll of these policies, noting a palpable feeling of rage among Canadians who feel targeted by Trump's tariffs and inflammatory statements, including his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the U.S.'s 51st state. He commented, “There’s a real anger right now.”
In a pointed critique of Trump’s foreign relations, Angus asked rhetorically, “Well Donald, how many fights can you pick before you prove to the world that you lose every single one of them?” He expressed disbelief at Trump’s warm interactions with leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean officials while directing hostility toward Canada, stating, “You’ve kissed up to Putin, you’ve bowed down to him like you’re an obedient Boy Scout. This guy is a war criminal, this man is a disgrace.”
Angus's criticism didn’t stop at economics; he also raised alarms about human rights issues stemming from Trump’s deportation policies. On March 20, 2025, he cautioned that Canadians and Europeans are at risk of being deported to notorious facilities like El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, where reports of abuse and overcrowding have surfaced. His comments arose shortly after the Trump administration had deported 238 Venezuelan nationals to this center, invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to bypass due process.
Angus remarked, “We know if Trump can get away with this, there’s no reason that a Canadian, or a German, or someone from the UK isn’t going to be picked up and deported to some El Salvadoran concentration camp.” He urged Canadians to continue their boycott of American goods and travel, stating that Canada is committed to democracy and the rule of law. “Canada must stand firm at this time,” he stressed, asserting, “We are true, we are north, we are strong, we are free, we will not bend, and we will not give an inch.”
The mounting tensions between the two nations illustrate a significant shift in the once cooperative trade relationship. Angus's assertions are resonating with many Canadians seeking solidarity against perceived aggression, with calls for standing firm against U.S. policies that threaten sovereignty and international norms.
Chuckling at the absurdity of Trump's views, Angus suggested that the U.S. leader's economic policies were transforming into a “total circus,” indicating the chaos many Canadians perceive in U.S. governance under Trump. “It’s starting to turn into a total circus,” Angus remarked, urging Trump to recognize that the economy transcends his narrow perspective.
Additionally, Angus defended the historical ties between U.S. and Canadian communities, emphasizing the long-standing relationships that have been nurtured over generations. He insists that a return to normalcy in trade is essential for both countries' mutual benefit.
As both nations navigate through these turbulent waters, Angus's bold retorts and rallying calls may serve to unify those frustrated by the current state of affairs. The urgency in his voice reflects an awareness of the stakes involved—not just for Canadian citizens but for the broader implications of trade and diplomacy in North America.
In closing, Angus concluded with a poignant reminder of the strength of Canadian resolve. “We’re ready to defend democracy and the international rule of law,” he proclaimed, a stance that marks a notable rejection of the tactics employed by the Trump administration.
