Reddit users debate why Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, seemingly igniting a trade war between countries.

Reason for Trump Tariffs

In a move that sent shockwaves through international trade relations, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, sparking intense debate and criticism. Trump cited national security concerns as the rationale behind the tariffs, allegedly using border security as a pretext to justify the aggressive economic action. However, many critics, including voices on Reddit, argue that security was merely an excuse, and that the real motive behind the tariffs was likely related to money, power, and control.

As this article claims, Trump has claimed that the tariffs are designed to tackle drug trafficking and illegal immigration. However, he has also stated that the tariffs will only be lifted if the U.S. trade deficit decreases.

Why Did Trump Impose Tariffs On Canada Reddit

One Reddit user pointed out that Trump’s suggestion of making Canada the 51st state recently, raised significant questions about his true intentions. If the U.S. and Canada were to merge, there would be no border to secure, rendering the supposed security concerns irrelevant. Instead, the user argued that Trump’s interest was in accessing Canada’s resources—either by exploiting them for free or by imposing taxes on them—thus increasing U.S. revenue.

This perspective aligns with broader concerns that the tariffs were more about expanding control over Canadian resources and increasing financial gain for the U.S. government, particularly Trump and his allies. The 25% tariffs were expected to destabilize trade between the two countries, leading to increased prices for consumers. While Trump marketed the tariffs as a form of punishment for Canada, many observers argue that it is the average American consumer who will bear the brunt of the costs, not Canadian businesses.

One Reddit commenter claimed this in response to allegations surrounding the meaning behind the trade war: “100% on the ball. The southern border is a red herring as well. Most illegals just fly into the USA and don’t leave. Trump declared a national emergency to be able to bypass Congress on declarations, tariffs, and appropriating money to build his wall. Trump is after countries and areas rich in resources – Canada, Greenland, Mexico … even the Panama Canal generates a ton of money every year and Trump would be able to control access to countries like China to hold it over them. It’s 100% about power, control and leverage.”

Another alleged, “He wants to make Canada submissive. It’s a control test”

Again, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.

The imposition of the tariffs has raised important questions about the true nature of Trump’s economic policies, with critics suggesting that his actions were motivated by a desire for greater power and control. In the long term, it is the wealthiest individuals and corporations who stand to benefit from the tariffs, while the average person will face higher prices and economic uncertainty.

Although there is no concrete evidence to support the above claims surrounding the intention behind these tariffs, ultimately, the Trump-era tariffs on Canadian goods may be seen as part of a broader trend of wealth redistribution that disproportionately favors the richest Americans.

What are the biggest stories trending online today? Read the latest here

Published by HOLR Magazine

Image Credit: @realdonaldtrump Instagram