President Trump notched a massive victory Tuesday, strong-arming Canada into backing off a costly electricity surcharge after he unleashed a tariff barrage. Ontario Premier Doug Ford blinked, suspending the 25 percent levy on U.S.-bound power late Tuesday, per the Wall Street Journal—conservatives say it’s Trump flexing muscle.
The showdown started with Trump’s Truth Social salvo—50 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, up from 25 percent, effective Wednesday. Ford had slapped the surcharge as a jab at Trump’s earlier tariffs, but U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s talks flipped it. “I’m not out to hurt the American people,” Ford admitted in Toronto.
Trump didn’t stop there—he threatened to “substantially increase” auto parts tariffs, warning Canada’s car industry could “permanently shut down.” Ford folded fast, setting a Thursday meet with Lutnick in Washington. Republicans cheer: Trump’s making Canada treat Americans right, and it’s paying off.
The stakes were sky-high—Canada’s the top U.S. steel and aluminum supplier. Trump’s March 4 speech—82 percent approved—pushed reciprocal tariffs, and this win proves it works. Ontario’s backdown means cheaper power for over a million U.S. homes—conservatives see Trump delivering for the heartland.
Ford played his cards, but Trump held the aces. “Sometimes you have to play your cards,” Ford told reporters, hoping for “constructive conversation.” Too late—Trump’s tariff hammer forced the retreat, a diplomatic coup Republicans say shows America’s back in the driver’s seat.
Canada’s incoming PM Mark Carney whined it’s an “attack on Canadian households”—conservatives laugh; he’s stuck managing Trump’s firm hand. The S&P 500 dipped 2.7 percent Monday, but Trump’s base shrugs—short-term jitters for long-term gains, they argue, with U.S. jobs in sight.
Trump’s not new to this—89 executive orders in 50 days, slashing crossings to 300 daily from Biden’s 10,000. His tariff threats aren’t bluffs; Ontario’s cave-in proves it. Republicans say Canada’s learning: treat Americans better, or Trump turns the screws tighter.
The USMCA’s on the table—April 2 looms for reciprocal tariff talks. Ford and Lutnick’s Thursday huddle could reshape it—conservatives bet Trump’s pushing for cheaper goods and more U.S. plants. “Cars could be produced domestically instead,” Trump posted—America wins either way.
Posts on X hail it—“Trump’s making Canada respect us again.” Liberals cry recession, but Republicans point to Ford’s surrender—cheaper electricity, stronger trade. Trump’s 97 percent GOP approval from March 4 holds; he’s forcing Canada to prioritize Americans.
America’s reaping the rewards. Trump’s tariff flex didn’t just bend Canada—it’s setting up a future where U.S. wallets feel relief and jobs flood back. Conservatives say it’s clear: cross Trump, and you’ll treat Americans better—or pay the price.
