TORONTO — Canada’s ruling Liberal Party faced the possibility of a significant defeat in the upcoming elections this year. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically when former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated economic tensions and even speculated on annexing Canada as a U.S. state. This unexpected turn of events may pave the way for the Canadian Liberals and their new prime minister to secure a surprising victory.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum is gaining popularity due to her strategic handling of Trump’s tariff threats. In Europe, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s resilience has sparked admiration despite being put on the defensive during a recent White House visit. Even Emmanuel Macron’s improved standing in French polls might be attributed to his firm stance against the new U.S. administration.
President Trump, advocating for an “America First” policy, has disrupted the longstanding international order established over decades. Within mere weeks, global leaders have been forced to reinforce their economies and forge tighter alliances to counter the perceived threat from Russia while also bolstering domestic support.
“Trump is like a flaming freight train igniting everything in its path,” said Kory Teneycke, a Canadian conservative campaign director. The ripple effects of Trump’s actions have set the political climate in motion.
In response, global leaders are beginning to find their footing through defiance and strategic planning, despite uncertainty about whether they can alter the Trump administration’s approach. Across Europe, Trump’s shift in stance concerning Ukraine’s conflict with Russia is seen as a crucial issue. His unfounded accusations against Zelenskyy and the diplomatic fallout from their Oval Office clash have strained 80 years of U.S.-European cooperation, especially as he reduced Ukraine’s access to critical intelligence and arms.
This diplomatic paralysis left Europe’s leadership feeling isolated as they navigated talks to end the conflict in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, without notable participation. The confrontation underscored the difficulties in reshaping Trump’s foreign policy.
The Conservative Party in Canada, led by Pierre Poilievre, had been poised for electoral success until Trump’s rhetoric about trade and annexation thwarted their momentum. Teneycke described overt support from high-profile U.S. figures as detrimental. “Stop helping. You are not helping,” he advised.
Amid Trump’s antagonism, a surge of Canadian nationalism emerged, prompting outraged responses that included boycotts of American products and displays of patriotism at sports events. These sentiments helped the Liberal Party to rally and close the gap in opinion polls ahead of an imminent federal election. The selection of former central banker Mark Carney as the party’s leader could further boost their chances.
In Mexico, President Sheinbaum’s calm approach to Trump’s aggression has resonated with citizens, as evidenced by a recent celebratory rally. Despite concerns about potential economic downturns due to U.S. tensions, Sheinbaum maintains a high approval rating and a stable currency, a testament to her adept political maneuvering.
Navigating the complexities of international relations and economic threats, Sheinbaum opted for a cooperative strategy, positioning Mexico as a partner rather than an adversary. Her measured response included military deployments, increased drug enforcement efforts, and extraditions to maintain a constructive relationship amid challenging circumstances.
Trump’s policies have sparked widespread controversy even in Canada, where national icons like Wayne Gretzky have become controversial figures due to their association with him. Once revered universally, Gretzky faces potential backlash at sporting events in Canada.
Overall, Trump’s influence continues to ripple across international borders, reshaping political landscapes and testing global alliances.
