Prime Minister of Canada

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has publicly criticized the escalating trade dispute between the United States and Canada, warning that the resulting instability harms Oklahoma businesses that depend on predictable cross-border commerce. President Trump has imposed steep tariffs on certain Canadian goods, arguing Canada has long taken advantage of the U.S., while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has responded with matching counter-tariffs, vowing Canada will not be pressured into submission.

Holt, a Republican, said he supports fair trade advocacy but objects to the confrontational tactics used, including suggestions that Canada become the 51st state and disputes over renaming Canadian landmarks. He called the negotiations chaotic and unpredictable, noting shifting agreements from the president's earlier term. Reaction in Congress is split along similar lines, with some lawmakers urging Congress to reclaim tariff authority and others backing pressure on Canada. Holt argued that regardless of the political rhetoric, it is Oklahoma businesses — not Canada — that stand to lose the most from prolonged uncertainty in the relationship.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, whose district covers the state's entire northern border with Canada, is siding with President Trump in an escalating tariff dispute with Ottawa. Golden told the Portland Press Herald that if Canada believes it is "better off without our goods," he wishes them luck, predicting the standoff "won't go well" for Canada in the long run. Golden, first elected in 2018, is not seeking reelection in 2026, citing threats against his family.

The dispute has intensified after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down. Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing Canada of "ripping off" the U.S. for decades and imposing tariffs exceeding 400% on American farmers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed matching retaliatory measures. Golden's stance breaks from most Democrats who oppose Trump's tariff approach, but fits his record of independence from party lines, reflecting the economic and personal ties his border constituents share with Canada.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) has broken with most House Democrats to back President Trump's escalating tariff threats against Canada, warning that Canadian retaliation would ultimately backfire. The comments come as U.S.-Canada trade talks have broken down and Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to pledge to match any U.S. penalties "dollar for dollar."

Golden, who represents a rural, working-class district bordering Canada, told the Portland Press Herald that if Canada believes it's better off without U.S. goods, "I wish them good luck," predicting it "won't go well for them" in the long run. Golden, a Marine veteran first elected in 2018, has previously supported protectionist trade measures and has announced he will not seek reelection, citing safety concerns for his family. His stance marks a notable split within the Democratic Party over the administration's trade conflict with Ottawa.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) reaffirmed his support for President Trump's tariff standoff with Canada, warning that retaliation "won't go well" for the country. The comments follow the Trump administration's imposition of a 50 percent tariff on $20 billion in Canadian imports after trade talks broke down, with Trump also threatening 50 percent tariffs on vehicles and auto parts starting January 1. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada's demands were "too much." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with matching retaliatory tariffs effective September 8, targeting Maine exports including pulp, paper, and lobster.

Golden, who is not seeking reelection, was the only House Democrat to vote against repealing Trump's Canada tariffs. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the tariffs "a mistake," while Democratic state Auditor Matt Dunlap used the dispute to attack Republican gubernatorial rival Paul LePage. Strategists warn the trade war could complicate Republican affordability messaging ahead of the midterms.