By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft and “decertify” specific Bombardier jets, alleging Canada is unfairly blocking the certification of U.S.-based Gulfstream jets. This escalation follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum, which was perceived as a rejection of U.S. foreign policy. Trump has also threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada makes a deal with China. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has cautioned Prime Minister Carney against “picking a fight” regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
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Trump targets Canadian aircraft in latest tariff threat, says he’ll ‘decertify’ Bombardier jets | CBC News, and here’s the thing… it’s a whole lot to unpack. The recent announcement, filled with bluster and threats, seems to follow the well-worn playbook of his administration. The core of the issue: He’s aiming at Canadian-made aircraft, specifically the Bombardier Global Express jets, and threatening a 50% tariff on any other aircraft sold to the US. It’s the kind of move that sets off alarm bells, especially when you consider the interconnectedness of the aerospace industry on both sides of the border.
The immediate reaction is a mix of disbelief and annoyance, which is understandable. It’s tough to take seriously someone who seems to be “declaring decertification” like a scene from a bad sitcom. This approach has many asking whether the president can actually decertify an aircraft; it’s a power that traditionally rests with the FAA. This alone calls into question his grasp of procedures and what he can do. Such actions, or threats of action, raise concerns about the integrity of American manufacturing standards and the nation’s place in the global market.
It’s clear that this action is driven by more than just trade disputes; it’s an attempt to force Canada’s hand on the certification of Gulfstream jets. The argument is that Canada isn’t playing fair with Gulfstream, and this is his way of retaliating. He is saying, in short, that Canada is unfairly holding up the certification process for Gulfstream jets, and that as a result, he is going to retaliate with tariffs and decertification.
But here’s where it gets interesting, and concerning. The implications of such a move are far-reaching. The Bombardier CRJ is a workhorse in the US regional air travel network. “Decertifying all aircraft made in Canada” isn’t a small thing, either. It could disrupt supply chains, affect airline operations, and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers. There’s also the question of whether this is just a negotiating tactic or a genuine intention.
It’s important to consider what’s really happening here: it’s a move that’s been described as “bullying, vindictive dirty pool.” This isn’t about fair trade, it’s about power dynamics and leveraging that power to get his way. The whole scenario feels like a power play, and it’s one that could backfire. History shows that those who rely on threats and intimidation often find themselves isolated.
The reaction, as one might expect, is not positive. The whole thing comes across as childish and petty. Some folks are asking whether Trump realizes that significant portions of Bombardier aircraft are built in the US, making the whole situation even more complex. The potential for disruption to the aerospace industry, not just in Canada, but also in the US, is a legitimate concern.
The timing of this announcement is also crucial. It feels like a distraction from other issues. Many are pointing to other ongoing issues and how this is taking attention away from them. This is typical of these kinds of actions.
Ultimately, this is a distraction, and it’s a display of a very specific negotiating style. It’s a move that prioritizes winning above all else, even if it hurts everyone involved. Whether this is a strategic play or a blunder remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: it’s a move that will further strain relations between the US and Canada and could create chaos across the industry.