A Bull in the China Shop: America’s Self-Inflicted Wound on the 49th Parallel

Op-ed by Bill Cara

I was not prompted to write this article by a political spat or a passing headline. I was prompted by a pattern of confidential, high-level concern that is both personal and global.

First, a private message from a senior figure in the US military-industrial complex. He expressed deep concern over the turn in US-Canada trade negotiations, writing, “I believe US-based readers would benefit from hearing your unbiased opinion... Businesses and the welfare of millions shouldn’t hang in the balance over the temperament of a statesman.”

Then this month, a call from a European CEO who employs over 5,000 people and has sat “eyeball to eyeball” with leading central bankers. His words were blunt: “Bill, I believe you have a dangerous situation there. I’d like to know your thoughts.”

These associates are right. As a Canadian with multiple weekly contacts in the US and Europe, I can attest that we understand the danger. We see the current tariff situation not as a “negotiation” but as what it is: a trade war, and one that is “very bad for both parties.”

It is my personal view—one I believe is shared almost unanimously by my fellow Canadians—that while both sides are losing, the Trump administration is acting as a “one-man bull in a China shop,” inflicting generational economic and social harm, primarily on Americans themselves.

The conflict resembles a classic bout: Goliath versus David. Goliath, the US administration, represents raw “muscle,” projecting an image of omnipotence through arrogance, narcissism, and a desire to control Canada’s economy. David, representing Canada, is “the brains.” This side, exemplified by figures like Prime Minister Mark Carney who are closely connected to the international order, understands that the rest of the world values substance over image and the vital importance of “win-win” negotiations.

The administration’s core delusion is in thinking the world is not lining up behind David. I expect Goliath to go down hard, precisely because his arrogance and narcissism are causing him to “lead with his chin.”

This is not wishful thinking; it is already happening. Canada is not backing down. On the contrary, it is making strategic, generational plans to win this fight. The Canadian prime minister has openly stated that the US is “no longer a reliable partner” and that the “long-running bond... is over.”

These are not just words. They are being followed by decisive action. Canada is signing international trade deals in rapid succession with Europe, Asia, and Mexico, with the explicit intent to “materially reduce” its trade dependence on the US. It is a move Canada makes with the confidence of a nation that is, and always will be, commodity strong.

Perhaps most tellingly, Canada is moving to quadruple its military expenditures, “no longer relying on the US military.” Americans may be shocked to discover that Canada is now seriously considering purchasing the Swedish SAAB Gripen fighter jet. While Canada has a contract for 16 American F-35s, the purchase of the remaining 72 is now “uncertain.” The final decision, analysts say, “hinges on trade tensions with the US” and a desire to diversify its NATO fleet. This is David building his own shield.

While David builds, both sides are suffering the consequences. This is not an abstract economic debate. Canadian government and consumer boycotts have already led to the hardship and, in some cases, bankruptcy of US companies that relied on Canadian business. In states like Florida and Arizona, the “Snowbird” second-home real estate market has collapsed as Canadians sell en masse, plunging local property values.

This harm is mutual. Trade and tourism are falling across the board. The relationship is further poisoned by new border policies—demanding photographs and fingerprints from Canadians—and a US ambassador to Canada whose public arrogance and whining about the “nasty” attitude of Canadians has drawn negative rebukes from provincial premiers, and the Prime Minister himself.

This is not about negotiation; it is diplomacy by open threat. And it reveals a deeper problem. The “bull in the China shop” is not just trampling alliances; he is destroying his own house. The US has never seen a president who so openly disrespects the Rule of Law, threatens the sovereignty of his closest allies, and demands “personal allegiance” from generals whose duty is to the Constitution, not to the whims of one man.

This destructive behavior is enabled, in part, by a hypocritical US media. As my notes reflect, many reporters, backed by thousands of researchers, know the facts. Yet they “refuse to confront Trump” for personal reasons: to retain their jobs, their exclusive access to the White House, and their seats on Air Force One. They are not being professional journalists; they are, perhaps, just being human. But they are part of the problem they claim to decry.

The administration’s style is one of image over substance. But in the real world, substance always wins. This approach is bringing great economic and social harm to Americans, alienating its closest friend, and proving that in this fight, Goliath is leading with his chin. It will be a self-inflicted knockout.