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President Donald Trump said Sunday that Canada is “systematically destroying itself” through its growing strategic partnership with China, warning that the relationship threatens Canadian industry and economic sovereignty.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a video of Brian Kingston, chief executive of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, who argued that Canada should not allow the sale or domestic production of Chinese electric vehicles.
“A MUST WATCH. Canada is systematically destroying itself. The China deal is a disaster for them. Will go down as one of the worst deals, of any kind, in history. All their businesses are moving to the USA. I want to see Canada SURVIVE AND THRIVE!” President Trump wrote.
The president also claimed China is exerting increasing control over Canada’s economy.
“China is successfully and completely taking over the once Great Country of Canada. So sad to see it happen. I only hope they leave Ice Hockey alone!” he added.
In the video President Trump reposted, Kingston warned that Chinese automakers benefit from heavy state subsidies, giving them an unfair competitive advantage.
“Any Chinese cars manufactured in Canada would include mass subsidization coming from the Chinese central government,” Kingston said, arguing that such practices “present real risks for our ongoing relationship with the United States.”
Kingston and other Canadian auto industry leaders have urged Ottawa to align more closely with U.S. policy on Chinese electric vehicles, including potential tariffs or restrictions, citing concerns about national security, supply chain dependence and the long-term viability of North American manufacturing.
President Trump has frequently criticized China’s industrial policies, accusing Beijing of using subsidies and state control to dominate global markets. He has also warned U.S. allies against deepening economic ties with China, saying such relationships can undermine domestic industries and weaken Western leverage.
Canadian officials have not publicly responded to President Trump’s remarks. Ottawa has previously said it seeks to balance economic engagement with China while protecting national interests and maintaining strong trade ties with the United States. The U.S. and Canada remain each other’s largest trading partners, with integrated supply chains across sectors including automotive manufacturing, energy and agriculture.