A US Senate delegation visited Ottawa last week in an attempt to reassure Canada of its continued importance to American foreign policy, despite escalating tensions driven by President Trump’s recent comments. The group, made up of four Democrats and one Republican, was markedly smaller than in previous years, with most Republicans avoiding the trip altogether. This absence came after months of provocative remarks from Trump, including suggestions that Canada should become America’s 51st state.
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Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, the only GOP member present, admitted the US had become “an adversary” to its northern neighbour due to perceived offences stemming from Washington. Cramer said he aimed to rebuild trust, while also acknowledging that no trade agreement could proceed without Trump’s approval. His attempt at diplomacy, however, veered into awkward territory, with the senator making a half-joking reference to navigating the political minefield via Trump’s Truth Social platform.
Democratic senators, meanwhile, offered little in terms of concrete policy. Senator Tim Kaine spoke of an effort to block US sanctions on Canada, although he conceded its chances were slim. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed hope that the prime minister and president might eventually repair ties, though she acknowledged that real progress would require leadership at the highest level. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, for his part, remained firm, reiterating that Canada would negotiate with the US “on our terms”.
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Tensions were further highlighted by recent developments, including Trump’s $61bn offer for Canada to join a US missile defence programme—free of charge if Canada agreed to statehood. The proposal was met with a sharp rebuttal from Carney, who told Trump that Canada was “not for sale”. During King Charles’s visit to Parliament, Canada further underscored its sovereignty and commitment to “reliable allies”, with the monarch stressing the country’s right to self-determination in the face of growing global uncertainty.
