Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has raised alarms about a troubling trend in U.S.-Canada relations under President Donald Trump, arguing that his aggressive policies are jeopardizing both countries’ interests.

In a revealing conversation on The New York Times podcast with Ezra Klein, Freeland articulated her concerns that Trump’s push for dominance in trade and governance is alienating Canada—a nation traditionally viewed by Americans as a steadfast ally.

Freeland’s warning comes in the wake of escalating tariffs and perceived threats to Canadian sovereignty, which she says have transformed the once-cooperative relationship into one fraught with tension.

She characterized Canada’s growing trepidation about America’s intentions, noting that the nation is increasingly looking to forge partnerships with Europe and China instead of relying solely on the U.S.

Reflecting on her experience negotiating with Trump during his first term, Freeland shared a key strategy for dealing with him: “We do not escalate, and we do not back down.”

She emphasized that excessive flattery from leaders attempting to win favor with Trump often backfires. “Well, I’ll just sort of butter him up,” she explained, highlighting a strategy she believes to be ineffective. “It won’t be real, and it will all be fine,” she added sarcastically.

Instead, Freeland advocates for a calm, dignified approach: remaining unyielding while refusing to engage in intimidation contests. “I’m not going to suck up to you,” she stated firmly.

This situation extends beyond mere trade disputes; Freeland argues it has become a fundamental question of national independence for Canadians, who are aware that standing up to Trump may carry economic consequences.

“This is an asymmetric confrontation. It means it will be more painful for Canada. Canadians recognize that,” she noted, asserting confidence that they will hold firm against undue pressure.

The growing rift impacts more than just Canada; Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada, including critical materials like aluminum and lumber, backfire by driving up costs for American businesses.

Freeland called this situation “perverse,” highlighting how tariffs designed to protect American jobs instead hurt those very industries that rely on Canadian resources.

She recalled a previous round of tariffs and retaliation, orchestrating a countermeasure that targeted politically sensitive American products while minimizing harm to Canada’s economy.

“When the United States imposed tariffs on Canada, we retaliated dollar for dollar. Ultimately, America dropped its tariffs,” Freeland recounted, suggesting that similar pressure could yield different outcomes today.

Freeland is calling for a united front among Canada’s allies, urging international coordination in response to Trump’s policies. She believes that increased public concern from American businesses and lawmakers could shift the approach to Canada.

She suggested that a shift in Congress following the midterm elections could encourage businesses to question their alignment with Trump’s aggressive stance on trade.

“If they see that President Trump and MAGA no longer deliver at the ballot box, you may start seeing some very different behavior,” Freeland said, hinting at possible political repercussions for Trump’s tariff policies.

A notable consequence of the current estrangement is the opportunity it affords rival powers: “The biggest winner is China,” Freeland lamented, highlighting the dangers of treating allies like adversaries.

As the U.S. navigates its future foreign relations, Freeland’s insights serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining productive partnerships, especially with nations that have historically shared mutual interests.

The underlying message is clear: America’s strength may depend on its ability to sustain cooperative relationships, rather than coercion and unilateralism. Freeland’s reflections underscore a vital concern for policymakers on both sides of the border.