Americans losing trust in Canada under Trump’s leadership

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A recent AP-NORC poll reveals a significant decline in Americans’ perception of Canada as a close U.S. ally, reflecting growing tensions amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and policy actions toward the northern neighbor.

The survey indicates a marked shift in perspective, particularly among Democrats. While approximately 70% of Democrats previously viewed Canada as a close ally before Trump’s return to office, this figure has now dropped to roughly 50%. Republican support has also decreased, falling from 55% to 44%.

The overall proportion of Americans who consider Canada a close ally has diminished from about 60% in September 2023 to less than half currently, though most still characterize the relationship as at least “friendly.”

“He’s turning everybody against us,” said Lynn Huster, 73, a lifelong Democrat from York, Pennsylvania. “Canada,” she continued, had been “our friends, you know, they backed us. And some of the other countries, the U.K., they don’t want any part of us anymore. And it’s sad that our country’s going to stand alone if anything happens.”

#WATCH: Pierre Poilievre tells Donald Trump that true free trade without tariffs is the goal both countries should work towards.

I agree with Poilievre. Both nations should eliminate all tariffs now. Canada should begin with dairy and poultry tariffs.

Will the CPC support this? pic.twitter.com/Cha8MHVSPT

— govt.exe is corrupt (@govt_corrupt) March 28, 2025

These shifting attitudes coincide with Trump’s dramatic foreign policy changes, including implementing extensive tariffs on Canadian goods and announcing a forthcoming 25% tax on imported automobiles. He has also scheduled what he terms “Liberation Day,” promising reciprocal taxes matching other nations’ tariff rates.

The president’s provocative stance extends beyond economic measures, including suggestions of annexing Canada as the 51st state and repeatedly referring to its prime minister as “governor.” These actions have sparked considerable backlash in Canada, manifesting in public displays of disapproval such as booing the U.S. national anthem and removing American liquor products from stores.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded forcefully, declaring America “no longer a reliable partner” and emphasizing the need for Canadian self-reliance.

Some Americans, like Republican Shaya Scher, 35, from New Jersey, view Trump’s approach as negotiation tactics rather than genuine hostility. However, others express deeper concerns about long-term damage to the relationship.

Obviously Canada thinks destroying our relationship instead of working with Trump on tariffs is more important.

Oh, Canada…this isn’t a hockey match.
It’s righting a few wrongs to make each country better.
Grow up! pic.twitter.com/NUZxHCOTWv

— SweetPeaBelle (@SweetPeaBell326) March 28, 2025

Scott Cunningham, 69, a Democrat from South Bend, Indiana, worries about the lasting impact of these policies. “He’s sabotaging decades of goodwill by having tariffs on foreign steel and foreign cars and foreign flowers,” he noted. “Tariffs are really going to hurt relationships — trading relationships, personal relationships — after being allies for decades. You do something like that, I’m going to remember that.”

The poll also examined American perspectives on other international relationships. Approximately half of respondents consider the UK a close ally, while only about 30% extend this designation to France and Germany. The European Union is viewed as a close ally by roughly 40% of Americans.

China and Russia are rarely considered close allies, with about one-third of Americans viewing each as enemies. Party affiliation influences these views, with Republicans less likely than Democrats to perceive Russia as an adversary.

Brooklyn resident Trent Ramsaran, 37, attributes some international tensions to conflicting views on immigration but expresses confidence in American self-sufficiency. “If America ended up being attacked, I’m totally confident that we do not need the help of our allies to defend this country,” he said. “We’ve got Tom Cruise. He can teach people how to dogfight in ‘Top Gun.'”