Trump’s Real Target Isn’t Canada—It’s China

By Tom Marazzo, Captain (Ret’d) Canadian Army

President Trump has been in office for only a month, but his strategy is already clear. His hardline rhetoric on border security, fentanyl smuggling, and tariffs on Canadian goods has made headlines. At first glance, it looks like he’s taking direct aim at Canada. But let’s be honest—does anyone really believe Trump cares more about slapping tariffs on Canadian aluminum than he does about taking down America’s greatest economic and geopolitical adversary?

The truth is, Trump isn’t attacking Canada. He’s attacking China’s grip on North America, and Canada is in the crosshairs because of our weak leadership, our compromised institutions, and our deeply embedded economic ties to the Chinese Communist Party. To Trump, Canada’s political class is just as weak and corrupt as the Washington swamp he is working to drain.

The Arctic: Once a Natural Barrier, Now a Liability

The Arctic was once one of Canada’s greatest natural defenses against foreign threats. Harsh conditions and thick ice made the Northwest Passage impassable for much of the year, ensuring that any nation seeking to challenge Canada’s sovereignty in the region faced nearly insurmountable obstacles. But those days are gone.

Climate change and advancements in icebreaker technology have transformed the Arctic into a geopolitical battleground. The Northwest Passage, once frozen and secure, is now an open and contested waterway—one that Canada has no ability to defend. China and Russia have both shown growing interest in the Arctic, with China declaring itself a "near-Arctic state" and increasing its naval presence in the region.

Canada, however, has done next to nothing to secure its northern border. Decades of defense cuts and political neglect have left us with virtually no ability to patrol or enforce our claims in the Arctic. And that, in turn, places an increasing burden on the United States.

As the U.S. expands its own Arctic strategy, Canada’s inaction means Washington will be forced to take on even more responsibility for defending North America’s northern frontier. Trump, like past U.S. presidents, knows that Canada is failing to hold its weight—and he’s not going to let it slide any longer.

The Fentanyl Crisis: Blaming Canada to Hit China

Trump repeatedly hammers the issue of fentanyl flooding into the U.S. from Canada. And while Ottawa may pretend this is just anti-Canadian posturing, the reality is that China is the real source of the poison killing Americans by the tens of thousands.

Chinese manufacturers produce the fentanyl precursors that get shipped to Canadian and Mexican cartels, who then refine and distribute them across North America. Canada’s weak drug laws and lax enforcement allow these operations to thrive, making us a transit hub whether we like it or not.

By calling out Canada, Trump is forcing our government to take action against the Chinese-backed drug networks operating inside our own borders. The message is clear: clean up your house, or the U.S. will do it for you.

Securing the Border: Stopping More Than Just Illegal Immigrants

When Trump talks about tightening border security with Canada, most people assume it’s just about stopping illegal immigration. But that’s missing the bigger picture.