CNN Bombshell: Trump’s Canada Trade War Backfires as Polls Reveal Massive Shift in Public Opinion

In a political landscape already roiling with drama, CNN has just dropped a bombshell analysis that spells trouble for Donald Trump and his increasingly erratic approach to international trade. The latest dustup with Canada has not only ignited outrage north of the border but also triggered a seismic shift in American public opinion—one that could have lasting consequences for Trump’s legacy and the nation’s economic health.

Tariffs, Tantrums, and Turmoil

Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a series of bold, often controversial moves on trade. His imposition of tariffs on America’s closest trading partners—including Canada—was met with warnings from economists and even fellow Republicans. The consensus was clear: tariffs would lead to higher prices for American consumers and strain foreign relations. Those predictions have now come to pass.

Soybean farmers, once reliant on China as their largest customer, are facing disaster as Chinese buyers pivot to Argentina. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has paradoxically sent bailout money to Argentina, creating confusion and frustration among American producers. The chaos has only intensified with Trump’s latest clash with Canada, the United States’ closest ally and trading partner.

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The Reagan Ad That Lit the Fuse

The latest escalation began with a Canadian television ad featuring Ronald Reagan denouncing tariffs. Trump, never one to let a perceived slight go unanswered, exploded on social media. He called the ad “fake,” declared all trade negotiations terminated, and cited the Reagan Foundation’s claim that the video misrepresented Reagan’s words.

This public spat, broadcast across both nations, has deepened the rift between the U.S. and Canada. Canadian backlash played a pivotal role in the election of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has vowed that the relationship between the two countries “will never again be the same as it was.”

Polls Show Stunning Reversal

CNN’s analysis reveals the true extent of the damage. In November 2024, a slim majority of Americans—52%—supported Trump’s tariffs on imported goods. Fast forward to the fall of 2025, and the numbers have flipped dramatically: 60% of Americans now oppose the tariffs. That’s a 20-point margin against Trump’s policy, one of the largest shifts seen during his second term.

When it comes to tariffs against Canada specifically, support is even lower. Just 36% of Americans favor new tariffs against their northern neighbor—a clear signal that Trump’s aggressive trade stance is out of step with public sentiment.

America Loves Canada—More Than Trump

Perhaps most striking is the comparison of net popularity ratings. Canada enjoys a net popularity rating of +49 percentage points among Americans. Trump, by contrast, languishes at -10. That’s nearly a 60-point gap in favor of Canada, a country Americans have long considered a friendly, reliable partner.

“Picking a fight with China is one thing,” CNN’s analysts noted. “Picking a fight with Canada is something totally different.” The numbers make it clear: Americans adore Canada, and when forced to choose, they overwhelmingly side with their neighbor over their president.

Canadians Turn Their Backs on America

The fallout isn’t limited to American opinions. In Canada, views of the United States have soured dramatically under Trump’s leadership. In 2023, just 7% of Canadians saw America as an enemy or potential threat. Today, that number has skyrocketed to 48%. Trump’s administration now has a net popularity rating of -58 points in Canada—a staggering figure that reflects deep-seated resentment and anxiety.

This shift has real economic consequences. Canadians make up a significant portion of the U.S. tourism market, especially in states like Florida and California. Canadian “snowbirds” own homes, rent properties, and pump billions into local economies. With relations at an all-time low, those dollars are at risk—a blow that could reverberate far beyond the political sphere.

Economic Pain and Political Chaos

The economic impact of Trump’s tariffs is already being felt. Prices for everyday goods are rising, farmers are losing foreign markets, and tourism dollars are evaporating. For many Americans, the chaos is a direct result of Trump’s “lunacy,” as critics have described his increasingly incoherent and desperate rants.

CNN’s analysis suggests that these trends could have a lasting impact on Trump’s political fortunes. With public opinion shifting so dramatically against tariffs—and against Trump himself—his ability to push through further trade policies may be severely limited.

Can Trump Recover?

The question now is whether Trump can reverse course and repair the damage. CNN’s analysts are skeptical. “If I were advising President Donald John Trump,” one commentator said, “I’d say step off the tariffs—at least from a political point of view—because the bottom line is it doesn’t win with the American people.”

Even the most optimistic supporters admit that the economy has not improved under Trump’s trade war. The link between rising prices and deteriorating foreign relations is now impossible to ignore.

A Message to Canada

As the dust settles, many Americans are left feeling embarrassed and frustrated by the actions of their president. “Please don’t judge us all by Trump’s stupidity,” one commentator pleaded. “From this American to our upstairs neighbors in Canada, I am so sorry.”

The damage to the U.S.-Canada relationship may take years to repair. In the meantime, Americans and Canadians alike are left to grapple with the consequences of Trump’s tariffs, his combative rhetoric, and the chaos that has come to define his presidency.

Conclusion: Chaos Continues

For now, the chaos only continues. Trump remains defiant, but the numbers don’t lie: his trade war with Canada has backfired spectacularly. Americans are paying higher prices, farmers are losing markets, and the nation’s reputation abroad is in tatters.

Whether Trump will heed the warnings and change course remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when it comes to popularity, trust, and economic stability, Canada is winning—and Trump is losing.