WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump stirred controversy this week by referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada,” a move many interpreted as a deliberate slight aimed at asserting dominance over his longtime political rival.
Trump, who has frequently clashed with Trudeau on trade and international policy, made the remark in a post on Truth Social. “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”
The former president’s choice of words, widely seen as intentional, appeared to undermine Trudeau’s position as the leader of a sovereign nation. Critics viewed the statement as a continuation of Trump’s past public disputes with Trudeau, including a contentious G7 meeting in 2018 where Trump called the Canadian leader “dishonest” and “weak.”
While Trudeau’s office declined to comment on Trump’s post, Canadian officials privately expressed frustration over the rhetoric, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump’s supporters, meanwhile, praised the post as a demonstration of strength in trade negotiations, reflecting his “America First” approach to international relations.
Political observers noted that Trump’s latest remarks are part of a pattern in which he employs dismissive language to assert superiority over foreign leaders. “This wasn’t a mistake; this was classic Trump,” said a former senior U.S. diplomat. “He knows exactly how to needle his opponents, and this is another example of that.”
The former president’s jab at Trudeau comes as Trump seeks to solidify his influence ahead of the 2024 election cycle, further cementing his confrontational style on the global stage.
Trump’s pointed remarks toward Trudeau signal that old tensions between the two leaders remain alive and well.