Close Reading

As a South African, I want to say that this trade war, as well as the hostile approach of Trump towards Canada, is devastating. If one were not experiencing it directly, it would be almost impossible to believe. This is such a remarkable speech that it will go down in history as one of the truly great speeches in times of crisis. It is entirely correct to address the American and Canadian peoples directly, as the Prime Minister has done. They are both clear victims of this madness, Americans misled, and Canadians the target, of this senseless trade war. If one reads History, there is another dimension to this, and I hate to say it. Canadians have to prepare themselves for worse. These types of antics by the aggressor usually involve, finger pointing, contrived border incidents, plausibly deniable incursions and other actions, by the aggressor, which one can find if the preludes to the WW1 and WW2 are studied. I am not sure if you have porcupines in Canada, but you need to rapidly become one.

I am a US citizen and I stand with Canada and Ukraine. It is so validating to listen to someone who speaks the truth, a privilege we don't have in the USA. Thank you Prime Minister Trudeau.

I'm American, I do not support what Trump is doing to our government, and our allies . Thank you Prime Minister of Canada, you must do what you feel us right for your Country.

From Canada, I would like to thank my Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for standing up for Canada and the world.

The reason for this 'trade war' is not about 'trade'. It's about 'creating chaos' so that president Trump is the 'centre' of world attention. A malignant naracistic individual apparently cannot have anyone seemingly to be 'doing better' or being more successful than he is. Canada ?? is a very successful nation and because of its economic success it is creating envy and apparently hatred in certain individuals who view the success of Canada ?? as a threat to themselves. The USA now apparently cannot see the value of a strong and stable economy as its near neighbours. Thats why apparently there are some who now want to crash the Canadian economy and when times then 'get tough' the blame and responsibility for this chaos will be accepted by whom. Presidents and Prime Ministers come and go. Once their 'term is over' they simply 'walk away'. World leaders need to be men or women of integrity and honesty who 'do the right thing'. With 'great power' comes 'great responsibility'. You only 'give responsibility' to someone who has the wisdom and expertise and understanding in order to both 'hold' and 'govern' wisely and without fear or favor. Maybe its time for others in positions of authority in other institutions to step in and 'take control'. You would never let a child drive a super car on the highway so how much 'damage' has to happen before a world leader is not 'held to account' and his 'hands removed' from the steering wheel before there is a motor accident so large that the freeway is rendered unless and has to be totally shut down your. You cannot have total power in the hands of individuals who apparently do not possess the necessary skills knowledge and experience and wisdom that is required to fulfil the role they were elected to fulfil. A person with the mind and mentality of a child apparently is not a fit person to be running the economy of any nation. May Canada ?? remember its roots and may we all be thankful for true and honest leaders who have integrity and do and say the right thing. Thank you Mr Prime minister. I trust that King Charles III has heard what his Canadian prime minister has said and what he is doing with total integrity.

Prime Minister no apologies American supporting Canada. Thankyou!

I am a proud Canadian here, i really thought that was a good speech from our prime minister and as a strong country. WE WILL BEAT THIS. STRONG AND FREE CANADA ?? ?

Thank you Canada for your strong stance! Great Prime Minister, Canadians can be proud. Please stand by Europes, we need your partnership.

Proud to support our Prime Minister and his strong leadership. We stand together for CANADA!

I am proud of our Prime Minister for speaking plainly. Elbows up, Canada.??

This is how a Countries Prime minister acts and talks something Donald Trump could learn from. Well done, Canada and well done to the Canadian people.

Bravo Prime Minister Trudeau. Unfortunately Donald Trump will destroy the US. Canada will grow stronger without US. It is regrettable that the current Trump administration is destroying the strong relationships between US with Mexico, Canada, Europe, UK, China, Middle East and Africa. Canada will always stand for democracy, freedom and justice even if this current administration refuses to do so. US and Canada has fought WWI, WWII, Korean war, Vietnam war, Iraq war, Afghanistan war together. As brothers in arms both have fought, bleed together against fascism. What Donald is doing in the US is as close as it gets to fascism in America. During this difficult time in American history more than ever America needs to trust in God. God bless America land of the free home of the brave. Let's pray that God will intervene through prayer to bring America to depend on Him once more.

Very impressed with President Trudeau. Articulate, honest. Stand strong together Canada. Americans are with you. Not with Donald \nTrump! Your Prime Minister is to be congratulated. \nThis is madness!!!!! \nBut we will right the ship!!\nDon’t give in to him!

Just Ike our Country (Canada)\n\nSaid ; your president kept: insulting. \nOur Prime Minister- by cslling \n\nHim Governor : that is an insult to our \nPrime Minister of Canada ?? \n\n\nWe will never be. Part of the us ,\n\n\nAnd your country is. Cosing up to \n\nRussia ! \n\nCanada ?? is your friend \n\n\n\nIt’s all about. Your president \n\n\n\nWanting our country to become \n\nA part of America \n\n\nThat is what this is all about \n\n\nCanada ?? I’d not for saie \n\nAnd never will be. !

That's the big point what Prime minister from Canada said , this is just what they want that the allies weaken and Trump traps in it , Al this years so many work to build strong Canada and USA is just in a second gone because 1 stupid Man and that's President Trump

If Mark Carney gets elected as our next Prime Minister, nothing would make me happier than if he kept Justin Trudeau in his cabinet as Canada's new ambassador to the United States.

This is NOT ANTI-AMERICANISM!!! It is in response to what YOUR president has DONE!!! IT IS YOUR FAULT!!!!! IT IS DONALD'S FAULT!!! NOT THE PRIME MINISTER'S AND NOT CANADA'S!!! \nOUR PRIME MINISTER CARES VERY DEEPLY ABOUT ALL CANADIANS !!! \n\nCANADIANS CHOSE TO STOP SHOPPING AMERICAN BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR PRESIDENT!!!

Canada prime minister is very educated person.Keep it up Justin

You can ear if a person is intelligent when you ear him, this time it is the prime minister of the Canada and it shall never be the actual president of the USA, sorry!

This man deserves and academy award. He is awesome. Gid bless him. This is for Canadas Prime Minister. You are amazing

Thank you Prime Minister Trudeau. I am proud of you. Well said. We stand together with you for Canada.

Trudeau should be our next Prime Minister...!!! ?\nOur economies are so inter-twined because it WORKS! So many American companies have set-up plants in Canada in order to profit from doing business here. It's not just products that we MUTUALLY benefit from selling to each other, the US generates significant profits from its many operations in Canada, and those $Billions of dollars in profits that go back to American Investors is not included in the 'Trade Imbalance' that is a justification for the tariffs. With those profits included, I'd bet Canada is the nation with the imbalance not in its favor...

? no justification? Commitments mean nothing, you have done nothing but talk for years. And attacking the US president shows that your grasp of power is fading. I wish Canada the best and hope they get a Prime Minister they deserve.

OMG... THE TRUTH! Thank you Prime Minister Trudeau! You ARE the voice of reason, strength, dignity and intelligence! As an American, I am sorry to the lovely people of Canada. I am mostly sorry for myself having to live through this. Keep the peace Mr. Trudeau, and thank YOU!

Prime Minister Trudeau is the REAL leader of the free world. Canada what is wrong with you? You forced this brilliant, compassionate, democratic leader to resign?! Fools. Learn from us and the idiots who voted the bankrupt compromised pathological lying felon into our White House.

Let’s not forget that in Mar-a-Lago when this Prime Minister and Trump were sitting Trump asked him “”what is the worst thing the US can do to Canada and he replied put tariffs”

The sooner we Americans accept that Donald Trump is essentially batshit crazy and proceed to impeach the Orange Menace, the better off everyone in the world will be. Except of course, Russia. The more pressure great democracies as Canada exert upon Trump internationally, the more the U.S. economy (and Americans ourselves) will suffer. The more we Americans suffer, the more pressure will be exerted upon Trump domestically, and the more the U.S. Congress will bilaterally be pressured to impeach Trump. A lot of Canadians might not agree with me, but the Prime Minister is among the greatest democratic leaders of our time in contrast with the USA's new dictator-in-waiting. May God bless Canada and may God deliver the United States.

I’ll say first that I’m a Canadian…\n\nTrudeau and his government has been in power almost 10years and in that time Canada has gotten progressively worse—the drug crisis; immigration; inflation etc etc. I find it shameful that it took a foreign leader (Trump) to ignite changes within my country. Are the tariffs fair to Canada? No, absolutely not but Trump is not the president of Canada—right, wrong or indifferent he’s looking out for the US. \n\nJustin Trudeau is a corrupt lame duck prime minister who technically resigned a month ago. \n\nTrump will listen to Canada and respect Canada when a new government is place

Stupid prime minister, he can't do anything to USA ,better Canada become part USA as 51th state ,Canada is filled up terrorist activity and all evil has filled near USA ,which now USA understood better trudo understood that you are nothing, ❤

I applaud our Prime Minister for holding his ground amidst internal turmoils. It only takes a lost, uninformed person and misguided (?) person like Donald Trump, to sabotage the special relations between Canada and the U.S. \nMr. Trudeau, your eloquent speech depicts your patriotism and passion. And yes, these are the wise words of a a mature person who is firing up the patriotism as he leaves the office. Respect !Mr. Trudeau?

Thank You Mr Prime Minister, You Saud Exactly what needed to be said at this time, tRump gave Canada, Mexico, China no option but retaliation or comply.. Canada will retaliate as we don't have a Bully that is an Oligarchy Driven Maniac at the helm..\nVote ?? Every Time!!! ??❤✌

Justin Trudeau has been forced to step down! \nCanada charges 25% tariff for all US goods exported into Canada! You notice how the ex Prime Minister doesn’t mention that this is a reciprocal tariff Canada charges us 25% for anything in the US export to them and some farm items they refuse to allow in their country! With that said! Justin Trudeau is a huge hypocrite, Tyrant, Dictator!

This is totally on Trump. Canada did not choose this. I’m proud of the way Prime Minister Trudeau is handling this.\n\nTrump is not such a smart man. Smart men don’t attack friends and allies.

Omg I’m so proud of My prime minister is never been so strong and outstanding yesss it will be tough but I stand by my country and our proud fighter all over Canada ?? we never been so united and strong will come out stronger ❤

Prime Minister Trudeau, you are wrong about 1 thing. donald trump is not smart. he is a TOTAL dumbass! You were probably trying to compliment him since he only responds well to those who kiss his feet, but don't do it. We Americans know what he is, know this is ALL his doing and think Canada is great!

Truedoe is paper tiger. He doesn’t understand deplomacy, politics or even leadership. His only qualification is that he is son on ex prime minister. He broght shame to canada throughout his career. Puppet of china

Well done Mr. Trudeau, he is no longer Prime Minister of Canada. He can express his thoughts openly and honestly. Without harming relations between our countries, he can put diplomacy aside, while expressing himself in a respectful manner. Ukrainians must fight against an invader and put their lives in danger. Our invader is purely economic. Let us hope that all Canadians will show as much determination and respect for moral principles. Not to bow to a lawless mentality.

We stand by you Canada. Thank you Prime Minister Trudeau. Trump for no reason made a War at his closest Ally. What a Fool. Deport him to Russia.

CNN cut out what our Prime Minister ?? was going to say as to the real reason why we are getting hit with Tariffs which is this,,,to economicaly cripple us so Trump can Annex Us,,Take over Canada,,,,we have what Trump wants,,Our minerals,water, rich resources,,,he wants to be like Putin his idol,,,,That is the real plan Americans,,,please wake up to this and get him out of office ,,,your country is slowly becoming a dictatorship brick by brick under Trump and his regime,,,

Trump insists on an apology from Zelensky because he claimes that Zelensky showed him respect - and at the same time Trump calls Justin Trudeau - who is the Prime Minister of Canada - for governor. Talk about showing respect. So I'm going to call Trump a smallminded, vindictive megalomaniac, a pathological liar and a sick narcissistic baby. Nobody respects Trump; they fear him because he is an unreliable madman with a lot of military strenght and (so far) economic strenght he can threaten everybody with. Pictures of Stalin and Hitler must be hanging in his bedroom...

So proud of our Prime Minister. Canada is not going to back down! We are more united than eveer.

❤Canada ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ❤❤ Brilliant Prime Minister Trudeau!!!

Bravo, Prime Minister Trudeau! Elbows up, Canada!!!!

Our Prime Minister fibbed on one aspect 'Donald is NOT a smart man' There, fixed it. Oh, Canada! The True north strong and free.

You know you've pissed Canada off when Prime Minister Trudeau calls you Donald lol

Canada needs a new conservative prime minister Pierre Pollievre….Trudeau is a fool.

As an American, I am in despair over the criminal actions of the Trump and his cronies. I wish Canada the very best in the future. I will always consider Canada and Canadians my friends. Bravo to you, Prime Minister Trudeau.

I am proud to hear our Prime Minister adress politely the American public.Speak to President Trump and reassure us as Canadians the we must respond with Tariffs that benefit Canada !

From America: Bravo Prime Minister Trudeau. You speak for so many Americans. As an American, I see it as if Canada and the rest of the Western world are humanely looking at the big picture. Why has my country failed so completely and selfishly?

Excellent speech by my Prime minister. I am a proud Canadian. We will stand strong together. God bless Canada.