Some Donald Trump fans stopped to take photos at an unexpected sight while strolling through downtown Washington, D.C., during the inauguration.
“Canada celebrates Donald Trump,” one person shouted Sunday, reading a sign above the Canadian embassy lined with giant maple leaf flags along Pennsylvania Avenue.
“Do you think Justin Trudeau will be there?”
No, the prime minister wasn’t there. But more than 1,500 people could certainly attend Canada’s quadrennial inaugural party on Monday.
This year’s event is a strange one.
The lack of a Pennsylvania Avenue parade due to inclement weather isn’t the only thing that makes this party unusual.
First time since the Canadian Embassy Open at your chosen location The event, which took place on Capitol Hill in 1989, has no formal celebration where you can witness the traditional party live.
Another oddity is that partygoers will spend the entire day worrying about a slew of potentially damaging executive orders threatened by the star of the day, Trump.
It’s like throwing a party and worrying about whether you’re on the menu.
There are countless rumors about what kind of economic sanctions President Trump might impose: Small tariffs? High tariffs with loopholes? Temporary price? Is it a process that ultimately imposes tariffs? Or will it follow through on its most severe threat: 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico?
Canada’s ambassador to the United States has said he expects some kind of trade sanctions from President Trump, but it’s unclear exactly what those sanctions will be.
“I hesitate to say ‘almost certainly,’ but most people I talk to think some version of tariffs will be proposed,” Kirsten Hillman told CBC News in a recent interview. he said.
“Whether it’s on us or on other people…I don’t know. I hope they’re all wrong. But I think we need to be prepared for that.”
President Donald Trump will be the first U.S. president since Ronald Reagan in 1985 to take the oath of office inside the Capitol building instead of outside. Due to the extreme cold, the swearing-in was held indoors for the first time in 40 years.
Tariffs are an afterthought in discourse
Mr. Trump’s team briefed Republican allies on Capitol Hill on Sunday about a slew of executive orders to be issued in the next day, but it’s unclear where trade fits in.
a a handful US news media report I couldn’t make plans for Monday. mention Tariff. It was only by chance that President Trump mentioned tariffs during his speech on Sunday.
At a rally on the eve of the inauguration, he spoke at length about other Day 1 plans. He talked about aggressive deportations and historic border security, and spent more time on gender ideology than on trade.
He narrows his mention to the end, just before the Village People conclude the gathering with a celebratory rendition of: YMCA.
“In conclusion,” Trump said, adding that he promised to cut taxes, end inflation, raise wages and bring thousands of factories back to the United States through tariffs and other measures.
That was it. And now the continent is waiting.
Asa McKercher, a scholar who studies cross-border relations at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, said Trump’s return is a truly historic moment for Canada-U.S. relations.
He said the president-elect is threatening the most hostile trade action the continent has seen in more than 90 years since the Great Depression with the infamous Smoot-Hawley tariffs.
Tariffs in 1930 hampered Canadian exports. Tariffs affected different products at different rates; on average about 20% points and wiped out Most of Canada’s wool, cattle and flaxseed is exported to the United States
Trump is also America’s first major politician. Approximately 115 years make a semi-serious joke about America annexes Canadasaid McKercher, the Stephen K. Hudson Research Chair in Canada-U.S. Relations at StFX’s Brian Mulroney Institute for Government.
“Donald Trump is in some ways going back 100 years,” he said. “Back to the Future, I guess.”
Mr. McKercher said President Trump’s willingness to attack friendly countries makes another and even more abrupt break with history. “It’s unprecedented for a president to deliberately give the middle finger to an ally like this,” he said.
Business leaders warn
One Canadian business leader said he’s doing his best to focus on what’s within his control, rather than what’s under Canada’s control.
“I didn’t spend time worrying about the what, where, when, and why. [Trump’s tariffs will hit]” said Goldie Heider, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.
“Now I can sleep soundly every night.”
What Canada can really control is by tightening its own economic policies. create leverage He worked with President Trump on issues such as improving the development of mines and energy resources.
Haider also warned Ottawa to be extremely careful about launching retaliatory actions that could cause further harm domestically. For example, Canadians threat Canada imposes export tax on energy products Also ReImported goods from america
“The last thing we want is for our actions to boomerang on Canada,” he said in an interview Sunday while in Washington for the inauguration.
We may find out Monday if there is any retaliation.
Meanwhile, guests will gather for a party at the Canadian embassy, as they have done for every inauguration since 1989.
Invitees include state leaders, federal cabinet members, and numerous U.S. politicians and business groups, and are welcome to enjoy refreshments such as beavertails.
The embassy did not disclose the cost of the incident, but said it was offset by a number of corporate sponsors.
Mr McKercher said it was in the national interest and the right thing to do, regardless of the extraordinary threats looming on the continent.
“It’s kind of weird,” he said of the circumstances surrounding the party. “But diplomats live in a bit of a strange world.”
