Has Biden Abused His Power As President?

Trump Has Mexico And Canada Fighting For His Attention

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, both Mexico and Canada are vying for his attention, each positioning themselves as the most crucial North American ally. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are keen to assert their importance to the U.S., but the real power lies with Trump, and both neighbors know they must tread carefully.

While the rhetoric between Mexico and Canada remains cautious, there’s no denying the underlying tension. Trudeau and Sheinbaum may shy away from direct conflict, but the rivalry is palpable. At the heart of this is the complex trade relationship with the United States. With Trump’s America-first approach, both countries are aware that the U.S. holds most of the leverage. Despite this, both nations understand that cooperation among them is necessary to maintain a unified front in trade negotiations.

Trump’s approach often leans toward a “divide and conquer” strategy, taking advantage of any weaknesses between his trading partners. The threat of tariffs looms large, and while Trudeau and Sheinbaum have each expressed frustration with U.S. policies, they are reluctant to escalate the situation too far. In Canada, there’s increasing talk of focusing exclusively on the U.S., a sentiment echoed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre, who leads in national polls ahead of Canada’s 2025 elections, has embraced Trump-like rhetoric, prioritizing Canada’s interests and making it clear that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship should be paramount.

In Mexico, President Sheinbaum’s strong public statements emphasize Mexico’s rich cultural history, aiming to remind Trump of Mexico’s importance, both as a trading partner and as a key regional player. However, both countries are beginning to question the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly with the upcoming 2026 review. The deal, crafted during Trump’s first term, is now under scrutiny, with many wondering if it will survive future political changes.

While the dynamics between these three countries are fluid, one thing is clear: trade and cooperation are essential. The U.S. benefits immensely from its economic ties with both Canada and Mexico. For Republicans, the idea of reshaping these relationships to better serve U.S. interests is appealing, but it must be done in a way that preserves the economic and national security gains from these long-standing partnerships. The key is to strengthen North American cooperation while ensuring that America comes first.

As Trump moves forward, his administration will need to balance these competing interests. A prosperous Mexico, for example, helps stabilize the region, reduces migration pressures, and opens up markets for American exports. Likewise, a strong relationship with Canada, especially in energy and security, is vital not just for trade but for broader geopolitical strategy. Ultimately, Trump’s policies should aim to secure America’s interests while keeping allies close and focused on mutually beneficial outcomes. This is a time for smart diplomacy, and working with both Canada and Mexico as partners, not adversaries, could be the key to Trump’s success in North America.