Elbows Up: Trump’s Tariffs Through a Canadian Lens

On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a trade war with Canada by imposing tariffs and threatening our national sovereignty with talk of annexation. In response, Canadians across the country launched the patriotic “Elbows Up” campaign, retaliatory tariffs and product labeling. What once felt like an unbreakable alliance with our southern neighbor has fractured, and the trust we shared has been deeply damaged.

Annexation and Tariffs

In December, 2024 during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Trump first brought the issue of Canadian annexation to the table. According to Politico, this was done jokingly at first, however rhetoric continued to grow in aggression. Soon, it became clear this was not a joke, this was real. 

By February, 1 2025, Donald Trump signed Executive order 14193 imposing a 25% tariff on Canada under the guise of “…Addressing the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across our Northern Border” (Executive Order 14193, 2025). A claim that has never been substantiated and a talking point that slowly died from the lime light as increased evidence demonstrated it false.

Canadian Response

Elbows Up

The patriotic “Elbows Up” movement launched March 9, 2025. At first, 1,000 attended the rally on Parliament Hill in Canada’s capital. However, the movement quickly gained widespread cultural adoption. Soon after, the phrase landed on everything from t-shirts to hats – even on Saturday Night Live. From coast to coast, Canadian patriotism surged. This movement marked a historic moment for our nation. According to BNN Bloomberg’s Daniel Otis, Canadian flag sales have jumped by 75% compared to 2024. 

Elbows Up isn’t just a slogan. It’s a declaration. We’re showing our grit and resilience in everyday ways, standing firm in our identity. Even when times are tough, Canadians come together.

Tariffs and Product Labeling

In response to the tariffs that took effect March 4, 2025, the Canadian government struck back, imposing 25% retaliatory tariffs on American goods. Unlike ever before, have Canadians been urged to prioritize the purchase of Canadian products. Now, red maple leaf’s line the shelves indicating products “Made in Canada.” 

But this trade war has real consequences. It’s driving up prices on groceries, rent, and fuel. Many Canadians struggle to afford basics like eggs, milk, and bread. Food bank usage is rising, and inflation is hitting households hard—not just in America, but here at home too.

In response, the Canadian government now labels items impacted by US tariffs with a black triangle and a Bold White T along with QR codes linking you to a list of products from the united states subject to 25 percent tariffs (see here). This identification has led Canadians to boycotting U.S. products and avoiding major American brands like Walmart and Starbucks. And newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced legislation to strengthen interprovincial trade, aiming to reduce our dependence on the U.S. In addition, Canada is also pursuing new trade deals with European nations to expand its global partnerships.

Canadian Pride and Resolve

Patriotism isn’t just flying higher—it’s shifting behaviour. According to Stats Canada, as of May, 2025 Canadian vacations to the U.S. have declined by nearly 40%, with more people choosing to explore our own country or travel to Europe. I’ve never witnessed such unity, pride, and love for our country. It has made me incredibly proud to be Canadian.

As a Canadian, I urge Americans to reconsider how they see us. Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. We are a free, determined nation – and we will stand up for ourselves.

We won’t tolerate disrespect or threats. Sadly, anti-American sentiment is growing here. It breaks my heart to think that many Canadians may never fully trust Americans again. We were once friends, neighbours, and allies. But apologies alone can’t erase the hurt, betrayal, or distance now growing between us.

–By Isabella Presley, a proud Canadian

Isabella

Isabella is a Canadian writer, known for her creative story-telling as a self-published author. She is currently obtaining her BA for English Literature and Professional Writing at Concordia University. Her specialization is in gothic literature, French lifestyle, French culture, and language. She is very passionate about education, literacy, and travel.

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