Canada Takes Surprising Shot At Elon Musk

Canada is turning its back on Elon Musk’s Tesla as tensions rise over President Trump’s America First trade agenda.

In a stunning move, Canada has barred Tesla from all electric vehicle (EV) rebate programs, effectively blocking the company from receiving millions in government subsidies. The decision comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s tough new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican auto imports.

Ottawa Targets Tesla Over Trump’s Tariffs

Canadian Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that Tesla, the Texas-based EV giant, is no longer eligible for rebates due to what she called “illegitimate and illegal U.S. tariffs” on Canadian goods.

Just weeks ago, President Trump announced a bold 25% tariff on North American auto imports, aimed at protecting American workers and reclaiming control of the U.S. manufacturing base. Though most of the tariffs were delayed until April 2, Canada’s liberal leadership is already lashing out.

New Canadian PM Pushes “All-In-Canada” Agenda

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney—who just called a national election—wasted no time blaming Trump. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Carney wrote, “Auto parts cross the Canada-U.S. border six times before final assembly. That’s a vulnerability.”

He went on to push for a nationalist auto manufacturing policy, saying it’s time to “build more cars at home with an All-In-Canada network.”

$30 Million in Rebates Frozen – Tesla in the Crosshairs

This political retaliation comes with a major price tag. Ottawa’s decision halts an estimated $30 million in electric vehicle rebates to Tesla, a company led by tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk.

According to The Toronto Star, one Tesla dealership in Quebec alone had requested nearly $14 million in subsidies before the rebate program was suddenly shut down.

Freeland claimed Tesla’s existing rebate applications would be “reviewed individually,” but offered no guarantees.

Tesla Warns of Global Blowback

Earlier this month, Tesla issued a formal warning to the Trump administration, noting that U.S. exporters like Tesla could face economic retaliation from foreign governments.

“While Tesla recognizes and supports fair trade,” the company wrote in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, “remedies for unfair trade must also weigh the impact on American exports.”

The letter emphasized that U.S. companies bear the brunt when globalists push back against Trump’s pro-America trade policies.

What This Means for the Future of American Auto

With Tesla now caught in the crossfire of a global trade showdown, it’s clear that President Trump’s America First policies are shaking up the status quo. Canada’s decision to punish a U.S.-based company for standing with Trump shows how deeply foreign leaders fear losing their grip on American markets.

As the 2024 election draws closer, expect more nations—and corporations—to choose sides.