“Trump is an insecure man being a big bully”: Why Torontonians are pushing back against the US president’s threats and buying Canadian

Since his inauguration, US president Donald Trump has been threatening, imposing or erratically cancelling tariffs on a broad swath of Canadian goods, all the while referring to Canada as America’s 51st state—tantamount to a threat of annexation. The once-brotherly relationship between the two countries has decisively soured, spurring a wave of Canadian nationalism, with businesses and consumers boycotting American everything. We talked to shoppers outside Loblaws to get their read on Trump’s tariffs and threats and see what they’re doing about it. 

Peter Huynh, 35, stock trader

Are you worried about Trump’s 51st-state talk? I think it’s a serious threat. I don’t think we should take anything President Trump says lightly. Given how big the United States is and how little Americans seem to care, we need to take this seriously.

Do you think annexation is his endgame with these tariffs? I’m not really sure what his goal is with the tariffs. They’re a waste of energy and effort. But he has made the stock market a lot more unpredictable. European defence industries and Chinese stocks have skyrocketed over the past four months. It’s volatile.

Are you making the switch from American to Canadian products? It’s mostly a function of price for me. But, obviously, seeing where something is made is becoming more relevant. Outside of American soft drinks—I can’t escape those.

Related: Auto expert Flavio Volpe breaks down why tariffs will bring car manufacturing to a screeching halt

Ben Collins, 29, project manager

How do you feel about the tariffs? I’m not happy at all. I’ve lived here for seven years, but I’m originally from Ireland. Trump’s actions also affect my family back home—the tensions in Europe are scary. Here, it’s trade wars, but in Europe there are actual wars. Either way, it’s bad.

Speaking of actual war, what do you make of Trump’s 51st-state threats? It won’t happen. It’s a ridiculous threat. It’s an insecure man being a big bully, and he won’t get away with it.

Have you been boycotting American goods? I used to go to the States for vacation, but I won’t be going any time soon, as long as the political climate is the way it is right now. I’m not purchasing any American food products either—but it’ll be more difficult to get rid of things like Netflix or YouTube.

Related: A Canada–US historian on Donald Trump’s 51st-state threats

Carolina Leite, 33, musician

Are you prioritizing buying Canadian? I try my best to purchase Canadian produce from local growers and farmers. But I’m not boycotting any specific American products.

Do you think the 51st-state threats are serious? In my circles, the popular opinion is that there’s no way that’s going to happen, so I don’t find it scary. But I can’t speak for the politicians stepping into power soon.

Related: Canadian-made substitutes for American beer, wine and spirits

Dean Geddes, 59, computer programmer

How does all this talk of tariffs sit with you? It really bothers me. The American president is breaking his word. He’s making us enemies.

Have you been boycotting American products? I generally buy Canadian, but I am trying to be more vigilant. I have not gone to the States since Trump’s first term, and I have no intention of going any time soon. My problem right now is my running shoes. I need a new pair, and the brand I like, Salomon, is American. So I am looking for an alternative.

51st state: totally bogus or real threat? Not going to happen. They’ve been threatening manifest destiny since before Canada was Canada. God save the King.

Related: How Torontonians feel about the looming US tariff threat and boycotting American alcohol

Ananya Akhhouri, 31, marketer

What are your thoughts on the tariffs? Consumers are going to pay the price. Eventually, we’ll feel the brunt of it. I don’t feel very good about it.

Are you buying more Canadian products? Not yet, but if I get a better deal on Canadian products, then 100 per cent. I have to decide what’s good for me and my family, and at the end of the day, I have to look at my bills.

Canada as the 51st state: yea or nay? If it does happen, it’s going to take a long time. Right now, it’s just talk.

Ziya Falcon, 35, insurance executive

How do the tariffs sit with you? It’s a little unfair to their strongest trading partner. Now is a good time for Canadian patriotism. I’m supporting Canadian businesses and our community as best I can. In the long term, this is going to be more hurtful for their economy than for ours.

Are you supporting any local businesses in particular? I’m really starting to enjoy Niagara wine. The Niagara region is famous for growing all types of wine. It’s a good opportunity to buy from local producers—and it’s cheaper.

And are there any American products you’re having a tough time parting with? No—good riddance to all of them.

Related: How Trump’s whopping 25 per cent tariffs would hit Canadians’ wallets

Marianne Godoy, 49, dry cleaner

Are you buying more Canadian products? Yes, of course—milk, vegetables, fruit, wine, everything. I only buy Canadian products. I’m saving money too. It’s better to buy our own products and let the American ones go.

Do you feel like the 51st-state threat is serious? I guess so—if they took us over, then we wouldn’t have any more freedom. We’d have to follow their rules. Canada’s a big country. We should be independent.

Ankit Varma, 42, computer science engineer

What do you think Trump is trying to accomplish with the tariffs? He’s trying to bring about a global trade war. He’s trying to bully other countries because he wants America to feel like the greatest country in the world. It’s stupidity.

Have you been making the switch from American to Canadian? Right now, I’m wearing American shoes and trousers, but I will switch over to Canadian now that the tariffs are applied.

Dare I ask about the 51st-state claim? That’s more stupidity. It’s not going to happen. Canada is the second largest country in the world. Economically, it may not be so big, but from a geographical perspective, Canada has natural resources which could be utilized if the Canadian government actually put in the effort.

Rhea Bischof, 51, Farm Boy employee

Tariffs: your thoughts? They’re a childish ploy. I’m not going to say Trump doesn’t have anything better to do, but the things he’s been doing are absolutely ridiculous.

How have you seen Canadians respond? Business at Farm Boy is getting better—we’re a Canadian company based in Ontario. I find that Canadians are pretty strong. We’re resilient. So tariff-wise, bring it on. Canadians are going to stand up for Canadians.

And what about you personally? I’m doing my best to not let the tariffs affect me in any way, shape or form. I am a Canadian—I’m actually Indigenous. I’ve always been a consumer of Canadian products anyway. But I have stopped ordering crap off Amazon, and I’ve cancelled subscriptions.

And the 51st-state threat? We’re all laughing, that’s my reaction. I find it funny—as if we’re not a country already. Us becoming a state? That’s not going to happen.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.