Canada’s Plans for Donald Trump
Summary
David Remnick interviews former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland about the escalating trade war and territorial threats from the Trump administration. Freeland, author of *Unreliable Boyfriend*, argues that Canada is responding to an existential challenge by retaliating economically and seeking new global alliances. She discusses the deepening rupture in U.S.-Canada relations, her political career, and her belief that the Western alliance can still be rebuilt despite current hostility.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship: The Met, Poster House, and NYC Voting
Introduction: Trump's threats and Canada's retaliation
Freeland on the origins of US-Canada conflict
Trump's strategy: Dominance and the Russia-Ukraine parallel
Trade disputes and Canadian dignity vs. vassalage
Critique of Scott Bessent and the 'black and white' trade fight
Canadian public sentiment: Rupture vs. temporary episode
Deepening animosity and the lack of US opposition
Freeland's hope for rebuilding the Western alliance
Reevaluating NAFTA and the USMCA labor provisions
Anecdote: Negotiating with the EU and the 'Mordor' metaphor
Sponsorship: Mohonk, Arctober, and AT&T
Freeland's background: From journalist to politician
Entering politics and the difficult relationship with Trudeau
Losing the leadership race and the 'dark path' of Poliev
Mark Carney's strategy and channeling Canadian sovereignty
Economic diversification and the Trans Mountain pipeline
Hope for US civil society and Jamie Dimon's op-ed
Outro: California wealth tax preview and credits
Listen ad-free on Castria