Trump’s escalating trade fight with Canada is sparking backlash in an unlikely place: his own fanbase. Joe Rogan, a high-profile Trump voter and supporter, slammed the economic standoff as “stupid.”
‘Why are we upset at Canada?” he asked fellow comedian Michael Kosta on a recent episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, “This is stupid, this over tariffs … We got to become friends with Canada again, this is so ridiculous. I can’t believe there is anti-American, anti-Canadian sentiment going on. It’s the dumbest f— feud.”
Don’t miss
- I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
- You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now
- Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
And it’s not just tariffs rubbing him the wrong way. The 57-year-old also took a shot at Trump’s talk of annexing Canada, quipping, “I don’t think they should be our 51st state.”
Recent surveys seem to indicate that most Americans and Canadians share Rogan’s sense of frustration with the ongoing economic battle.
‘Dumbest trade war in history’
Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, automobiles and any Canadian imports not compliant with the U.S., Mexico, Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. He’s imposed a lower 10% tariff on Canadian potash and energy imports, according to the Conference Board’s live tracker.
Trump proposed that Canada could avoid the trade war by joining the U.S. Few people on either side of the border support this idea.
Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
Angus Reid polled Canadians and found 90% of Canadians would vote “no” to joining the U.S. Meanwhile, 60% of Americans are against the idea, and 32% would only consider it if Canadians are onboard.
The trade war is just as unpopular, with only 28% of Americans in favor of tariffs on Canadian imports, according to a survey by Public First. These economic moves are so unpopular and unjustified that the Wall Street Journal labeled it “The Dumbest Trade War in History”.”
Whether this growing chorus of criticism convinces the Trump administration to dial back trade tensions remains to be seen. For now, consumers and investors must deal with a volatile economy.
How to prepare
It’s probably a good idea to make strategic moves to protect your budget and investments for the foreseeable future.
The stock market has plummeted in response to the administration’s trade policy, prompting some investors to seek a safe haven. The price of gold is up 13% over the past six months as more investors add exposure to this hard asset.
Meanwhile, consumer behavior is shifting in response to tariff threats. If tariffs push prices up, nearly half of shoppers say they’ll buy less often.
Another 40% are ready to swap for cheaper brands, and half are open to secondhand or local alternatives, according to a poll by Smarty, a shopping rewards app.
The survey also found that many consumers are adopting a “buy now before prices spike” approach to major purchases, such as cars and home appliances. Moving up big purchases and buying essentials in bulk could be a great way to avoid or minimize the costs of this trade war.
Over the long term, if this economic battle persists you may need to add a margin of safety to your annual household budget. If you assume auto parts, clothes and food will cost roughly 25% more in the future, you can bolster your personal finances even if this trade conflict is resolved and the price hikes don’t materialize.
What to read next
- Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
- Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
- Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
