Trump criticized for praising Canadian provincial election winners amid U.S. tensions

Trump’s election congratulations

Trump posted congratulations to St-Pierre Plamondon on Truth Social on Tuesday, more than three weeks after the Quebec leader won an Oct. 5 election. Trump linked to a story describing the separatists’ victory as a blow to Carney.

He also celebrated a British Columbia Conservative’s win. Political science professor Daniel Béland of McGill University said it is highly unusual for a U.S. president to comment on Canadian provincial politics or congratulate provincial election winners.

Béland said neither result should be read as a rejection of Carney. He said the contests reflected provincial politics, while Carney’s popularity has been supported by his response to Trump.

Trade tensions shape dispute

Trump’s posts came as his administration pursues a trade war with Canada and he has repeatedly threatened to make the country the 51st U.S. state. St-Pierre Plamondon has criticized Trump’s tariffs and ruled out a Quebec independence referendum while Trump remains president.

Tariffs have also become an issue in the Nov. 3 U.S. midterms, particularly in Michigan and Maine, where Republican candidates have faced pressure over harm to local businesses. Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for the tariff conflict to end.

Ottawa rejects interference claims

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s advertisement ran in the United States. Carney rejected the embassy’s allegations, calling them “no merit,” and said he was disappointed with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. Béland warned that the accusations could precede a “Blame Canada” narrative if Republicans lose ground in the midterms.