Most Americans say Trump was wrong to hit Canada with tariffs as cross-border poll finds both nations united against trade war

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026.

A new cross-border poll shows 56 per cent of Americans think Trump was mistaken to place tariffs on Canadian imports, with only 26 per cent backing the move. The survey by Public First, conducted between September 13 and 15 among 4,183 adults, found 83 per cent of Canadians also rejected the tariffs, with just 8 per cent supporting them. Talks between Washington and Ottawa collapsed in August, triggering the levies and Canadian counter-measures. Even a third of Americans said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was right to hit back dollar-for-dollar.

Since the trade war erupted, Canada has drawn nearer to the EU, with Carney welcoming suggestions his country could become the bloc's first associate member.

Trump has previously called Carney 'ungrateful' and 'nasty', and issued an executive order demanding Lake Ontario be renamed Lake America.

Just 31 per cent of Americans said Carney was wrong to impose reciprocal tariffs — fewer than those who said he was right.