Murdoch Paper Savages Trump for Making His ‘Dumbest’ Plan Even Dumber

A Trade War Escalates

Early Saturday, the United States imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, a move that followed failed talks between the two countries. The tariffs, enacted under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 — a long-dormant law that no previous president had used — bypass prior exemptions under the USMCA free trade pact, according to The Daily Beast. The targeted goods include hockey sticks, agricultural products, wine, and cement, with costs expected to be passed on to consumers.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded sharply, saying that "America has changed" and vowing to match U.S. tariffs "dollar for dollar" starting Sept. 8. Retaliatory measures are set to target steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp, paper, and electronics. Carney also warned that Canada would impose these measures despite the risk of escalation.

The Wall Street Journal's Rebuke

The Wall Street Journal's editorial board published a blistering critique of the tariff escalation, writing that the move makes no "economic or political sense." The board, which had previously called Trump's tariffs against Canada and Mexico "the dumbest trade war in history," said the latest round "got dumber this weekend." The Journal also noted the escalation comes "a mere 10 weeks before midterm elections," and warned that "Republicans are already getting pounded on the campaign trail over his tariffs and inflation."

The editorial board suggested that both sides could "still walk back from the ledge," but observed that Trump's escalation could make it harder for Carney politically. The Journal's criticism reflects broader concerns that the trade war could worsen the cost-of-living crisis for U.S. consumers.

Trump Doubles Down

On Monday, Trump doubled down on his threats, warning that tariffs on all cars, trucks, and parts from Canada would increase to 50% starting Jan. 1. In a series of social media posts, Trump called Canada "entitled" and "among the worst Nations in the World to deal with," adding that Canada "will be treated like a State no longer!" He also wrote, "WE DON'T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!" and "Build in the U.S. and there are ZERO TARIFFS."

Earlier this month, Trump had alluded to imposing tariffs as a penalty for smoke from Canadian wildfires, and he has mocked Carney by calling him "the future Governor of Canada."

Fact-Checking Trump's Claims

A fact-check by CNN, reported by abc17news.com, examined several of Trump's recent statements about Canada and found them wanting. Trump claimed Canada's unemployment rate was "now at 10%, and rapidly rising," but the rate actually declined to 6.4% in July, a two-year low and the third consecutive monthly decrease. Even using U.S. methodology, the rate would be about one percentage point lower.

Trump also claimed that Canada does 95% of its business with the U.S., but in 2025, about 72% of Canadian merchandise exports went to the U.S., down from 76% in 2024. Canada remains the U.S.'s second-largest export destination and second-largest source of imports, providing about 12% of U.S. imports and receiving about 14% of U.S. exports.

The president alleged that Canada has high tariffs on U.S. farmers and a $60 billion trade deficit. However, the USDA says almost all U.S. agricultural exports to Canada are tariff-free — about 97% duty-free — and Canada's high tariffs on dairy and poultry are rarely applied due to quotas. The actual U.S.-Canada trade deficit was about $38 billion in 2024, not $60 billion, because the U.S. had a services surplus of about $29 billion. The deficit is driven primarily by energy imports: $111 billion in Canadian energy imports versus $26 billion in U.S. energy exports in 2025.

Trump also falsely claimed that Canada doesn't have a military and that Chinese and Russian ships are "constantly surrounding" Canada. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the military claim on Fox News, saying Canada is "a country that doesn't have a military." In reality, Canada's military jointly operates NORAD with the U.S. and has fought alongside American forces in Afghanistan and against ISIS. Trump's claim that Canada prohibits U.S. banks from operating there is also false; more than a dozen U.S. banks operate in Canada.

Political and Economic Risks

The escalating trade war comes at a precarious time for Trump and his party. The Daily Beast reported that Trump's approval ratings on the economy are dire, due in part to tariffs and the war in Iran, which has sent gas prices soaring. The backlash could doom Republicans in November's midterms, potentially costing them control of both the House and Senate.

The White House defended the tariffs, with spokesman Kush Desai saying that Canada "tore up an incredibly generous and fair trade deal." However, the Journal's editorial board argued that voters believe Trump is "waging blunderbuss wars without a strategy," and on trade, they're right.

Perspectives

The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: The tariffs make no economic or political sense, constitute the "dumbest trade war in history" that "got dumber," and could hurt Republicans in the midterms.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: The U.S. has "changed" under Trump, and Canada will retaliate "dollar for dollar" starting Sept. 8.

White House: The tariffs are justified because Canada "tore up an incredibly generous and fair trade deal."