Trump's Canada-bashing influences Republican views, poll shows

Donald Trump's persistent criticism of Canada, including calling it the "51st state," is increasingly reflected in the public statements of other Republicans. This trend has emerged as the U.S. president faces declining poll numbers and a conflict with Iran, leading him to seek out scapegoats.

Robert C. Rowland, a rhetoric professor at the University of Kansas, notes that Trump's habit of targeting Canada with insults has become more common among rank-and-file Republicans. This has prompted some of the president's staunchest supporters, including members of Congress, to express more negative views of Canada.

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Trump’s habit of occasionally targeting Canada with crude insults has become much more common among rank-and-file Republicans in recent weeks.

Recent polling data supports this observation. While most Americans maintain positive opinions of Canada, a notable shift is occurring within the Republican party. Gallup polling shows that Canada's favorable rating among Republicans has dropped by 23 percentage points, from 85 percent in 2025 to 62 percent in the current year. This suggests a growing skepticism about the bilateral relationship among a key segment of the U.S. electorate.

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As Trump watches his poll numbers dragged down by controversial policies and an unpopular war with Iran, he searches for scapegoats, and often lands on Canada.