Donald Trump Justin Trudeau – Justin Trudeau wishes Donald Trump on US presidential election win: Congratulations, controversies, Castro rumours

Justin Trudeau congratulated Donald Trump for his victory in the US presidential election and spoke about the friendship between Canada and the US, which he termed as “envy of the world”. But, for Canada, the Trudeau-Trump relationship would play a huge role in the ties between the two nations.

Trudeau, who is in his third term as the Canadian Prime Minister, and Trump, who just won his second term, have not often seen eye to eye. They have been very public and not-so-subtle about throwing shades at each other.

Just two months back, in September, a photobook by Trump included a rumour about Justin Trudeau being the son of late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

In the book, ‘Save America’, Trump wrote that Trudeau’s mother was “somehow associated” with Castro. “A lot of people say that Justin is his son,” Trump wrote. “He says that he isn’t, but how the hell would he know!”

No evidence was cited whatsoever to back the claim.

In fact, the rumours of Castro being Trudeau’s father have been debunked before.

A report by the Associated Report mentioned that “the Canadian government denied it, Cuba has never claimed it and Trudeau’s parents never visited Cuba until several years after Justin Trudeau was born (in 1971).”

But unfounded rumours aside, Trump and Trudeau have had a tumultuous relationship at best during the former’s tenure as the President and afterwards.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, his relationship with Justin Trudeau was marked by high-profile tensions, particularly surrounding trade disputes and ideological clashes.

A notable incident in May 2018 underscored the strain between the two leaders. During a phone conversation, Trudeau questioned Trump’s justification for imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium as a “national security” issue. In response, Trump reportedly quipped, “Didn’t you guys burn down the White House?”—a reference to the War of 1812, inaccurately attributing the act to Canada instead of British forces.

This remark left Canadian officials baffled, as Trudeau had described the tariffs as “insulting and unacceptable”, as per a report by CNN.

The clash continued at the G7 Summit in Quebec. Trudeau reiterated his stance against the “insulting” tariffs and emphasised that Canada “will not be pushed around”.

Trump retaliated by labelling Trudeau “very dishonest and weak” and abruptly withdrew the US from the G7’s joint communique during his flight to Singapore.

In 2019, Trump and Trudeau again found themselves at odds during a Nato Summit in London, where Trudeau was captured on video seemingly discussing Trump’s unpredictable behaviour with other world leaders.

Trump responded by calling Trudeau “two-faced” and criticising Canada’s failure to meet Nato’s 2 per cent defence spending target. He described Trudeau as a “nice guy” but criticised Canada’s contributions.

The differences continued even when Trump was not in power. Trudeau, in a 2023 interview, drew parallels between Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement and Conservative leaders in Canada, suggesting a potential rollback on rights such as abortion and LGBTQ. He voiced concerns about a populist wave, stating, “The threat is real,” and citing Trump’s policies as examples of a “step back” in democratic values.

Trump, for his part, called Trudeau a “far-left lunatic” and backed the freedom convoy that was protesting against the anti-vaccine mandate of the Canadian government.

“The Freedom Convoy is peacefully protesting the harsh policies of far-left lunatic Justin Trudeau who has destroyed Canada with insane Covid mandates,” said Trump.

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR US-CANADA TIES?

With the past as an example, what will be the impact of Trump’s win on US-Canada ties?

On November 6, 2024, Trump emerged victorious in his second presidential bid. Trudeau extended his congratulations to Trump and spoke about the friendship between the two nations.

“Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States. The friendship between Canada and the US is the envy of the world. I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations,” Trudeau said on X.

But just 11 months ago, in January, Trudeau had said that Trump securing a second term would make life tough for Canada. “It wasn’t easy the first time and if there is a second time, it won’t be easy either,” said Trudeau.

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