Anyone who’s ever been in a toxic relationship knows the cycle—love-bombing, manipulation, gaslighting, and chaos, all wrapped up in a power struggle that leaves one party constantly on edge. In 2025, with Trump pushing for a second term and reigniting economic battles, Canada finds itself once again in the position of the exhausted partner trying to navigate the unpredictable moods of a volatile counterpart.
With Trump ramping up his America-first rhetoric, slapping tariffs on key Canadian exports, and using trade as a weapon, the Canada-U.S. relationship feels less like a strategic partnership and more like an unhealthy, codependent mess—one that therapists would warn us to walk away from if only we could.
The Love-Bombing Phase: “Canada Is My Best Friend”
Like any toxic partner, Trump started off charming. In his first term, he talked about how much he loved Canada, how Justin Trudeau was “great” (at least for a short time), and how our two countries had the “best” relationship. It was all flattery—until it wasn’t.
Soon enough, he was demanding a renegotiation of NAFTA, threatening economic penalties, and suddenly treating Canada like an ungrateful ex. Fast-forward to 2025, and history is repeating itself. With another round of tariffs targeting Canadian steel, aluminum, and agricultural products, Trump’s trade war tactics are back in full force. He frames them as necessary for protecting American jobs, but just like in any toxic relationship, these moves are really about control.
Gaslighting and Distorting Reality: “Canada Is Taking Advantage of Us”
A common tactic of manipulative partners is making the victim feel guilty for something they didn’t do. Trump does this flawlessly with Canada.
Despite decades of mutual trade benefiting both economies, Trump has returned to his old script: Canada is “ripping off” America, Canadian businesses are exploiting American consumers, and tariffs are simply a way to level the playing field. Never mind the fact that these tariffs hurt both sides, raising costs for American manufacturers and straining industries on both borders.
The goal isn’t fairness; it’s dominance. And much like in a toxic relationship, the gaslighting is relentless—Canada is made to feel as though it’s the problem when, in reality, it’s the one being attacked.
The Blame Game: “Canada Forced My Hand”
When things go wrong in a toxic relationship, the manipulator never takes responsibility. Trump is doing the same thing now, blaming Canada for the trade disputes he started.
Economic downturn? Blame Canadian imports. Rising inflation? Blame unfair trade practices. Unhappy American farmers? Blame Trudeau. The script remains the same—nothing is ever Trump’s fault. By painting Canada as the villain, he justifies his erratic behavior, keeping the U.S. public focused on an external enemy instead of his own policy failures.
The Cycle of Chaos: One Crisis After Another
Just like a toxic partner thrives on drama, Trump thrives on instability.
One day, it’s threats of more tariffs; the next, it’s rumors of withdrawing from key trade agreements. Canadian businesses that rely on stable cross-border commerce are left guessing: Will exports be hit with new penalties? Will American companies be pressured to cut ties? Will Trudeau’s government be forced into another exhausting round of trade negotiations?
Meanwhile, Canadian workers and industries—from dairy to auto manufacturing—are bracing for the fallout, just as they did in 2018 when Trump imposed steel and aluminum tariffs under the guise of “national security.” The instability is deliberate. When people are constantly putting out fires, they have no time to push back against the person lighting them.
Threats and Manipulation: “You Need Us More Than We Need You”
Perhaps the most toxic element of Trump’s relationship with Canada is the constant reminder that he holds the power.
His message is clear: The U.S. is Canada’s biggest trading partner, and if Canada doesn’t play by his rules, it will pay the price. This “you’ll never find anyone better” tactic is a classic abuser move, designed to instill fear and prevent the victim from leaving.
And while Canada can’t exactly pack its bags and leave, it can do what any smart person in a bad relationship would—diversify. In recent years, Canada has been expanding trade agreements with the European Union and the Indo-Pacific region, reducing dependence on an unpredictable U.S. administration. The lesson is simple: When dealing with a toxic partner, never let them be your only option.
Breaking Free: Canada’s Best Move Going Forward
While Trump may dominate headlines and dictate trade policy for now, Canada doesn’t have to be trapped in this cycle forever.
Just like individuals escaping toxic relationships, the key is recognizing the patterns, refusing to be manipulated, and making smart moves toward independence. That means strengthening alternative trade partnerships, investing in domestic industries, and standing firm against economic bullying.
Trump’s second round in office may be just as chaotic as the first, but Canada has been through this before. And if there’s one thing about surviving a toxic relationship—it teaches you how to spot the red flags early and prepare for the fallout.
In the meantime, the best advice therapists give to those dealing with a toxic partner applies here too: Set boundaries, don’t engage in the drama, and remember that you deserve better.
