California Governor Gavin Newsom predicts that internal pressure within the Republican Party will compel President Donald Trump to re-engage in negotiations with Canada. According to Newsom, Trump is facing significant criticism from his own party members. This development coincides with the upcoming U.S. midterm elections that will serve as a litmus test for Trump’s leadership, as Republicans currently control both the Senate and House of Representatives but face potential losses in November.
Recent trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to suspend negotiations. Subsequently, Trump imposed new tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Newsom expressed confidence that Trump cannot afford to prolong the impasse, foreseeing a return to the negotiating table within days or at most a few weeks.
Expressing California’s disapproval of Trump’s actions towards Canada, Newsom emphasized the state’s stance against such behavior. The governor criticized Trump, labeling him as an unwelcome presence in the White House, expressing his embarrassment as an American. California has been adversely affected by the trade dispute, notably with the absence of state-produced wines on many Canadian shelves for over a year.
The decline in wine exports to Canada has hit California’s wine industry hard, with a significant drop in revenue between 2024 and 2025. Newsom acknowledged the resentment felt by California wine producers towards Canada and attributed the situation to Trump’s policies. Despite the challenges faced by the wine industry, Newsom commended Carney’s assertive approach towards Trump, noting that the president responds better to strength than weakness.
Newsom distanced California from Trump’s policies, asserting the state’s contrasting position. While the return of wines to Canadian shelves seems unlikely in the near future due to failed negotiations, Newsom underscored the importance of demonstrating strength when dealing with Trump. Amid speculation about his presidential ambitions in 2028, Newsom emphasized that his opposition to Trump’s tariffs is not driven by political motives but rather a genuine stance against perceived injustices.