Donald Trump’s second administration is packed with some of his most loyal supporters, and many of those in senior roles have criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at the Canadian border.

The president-elect’s court doesn’t have many Canadian allies so far, an expert says.

“I don’t see a lot of Canadian friends there,” said Fen Hampson, a professor of international relations at Carleton University in Ottawa and co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations.

As the Republican leader began making major decisions about his administration, appointments to foreign policy and border positions sent signals to Canada and the rest of the world about America’s progress.

Trump generally campaigned for an import tax of at least 10 percent. A report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce suggests this would shrink the Canadian economy, resulting in economic costs of approximately $30 billion per year.

The president-elect also criticizes aid to Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression and attacks the United Nations; both are things that the Liberal government in Canada strongly supports.

Trump appointed Mike Waltz as his national security adviser at a time of increasing geopolitical instability, saying in a statement Tuesday that Waltz “will be a tremendous advocate for our quest for Peace through Strength.”

Waltz, a three-term congressman from Florida, has repeatedly criticized Trudeau on social media for his handling of issues, particularly regarding China.

He also recently weighed in on the upcoming Canadian elections, posting on

Like Trump, Waltz criticized NATO members for not meeting defense spending targets; Canada doesn’t do this and won’t for years.

Trudeau has promised to meet his goal of spending the equivalent of two per cent of GDP on defense by 2032.

Immigration and border security were a key focus for Republicans during the election, with many key appointees eyeing the north.

It has been reported that Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who has been a harsh critic of China, is expected to be appointed as Secretary of State.

Rubio noted concerns at the Canada-US border. He recently criticized Canada’s move to accept Palestinian refugees, claiming that “terrorists and known criminals continue to cross U.S. land borders, including Canada.”

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whom Trump chose as ambassador to the United Nations, also focused on the Canadian border.

Stefanik, a member of the Northern Border Security Caucus, called on Homeland Security to secure the border, claiming an increase in human and drug smuggling.

“We must protect our children from these dangerous illegal immigrants who are flocking to our northern border in record numbers,” he wrote in X last month.

Stefanik has little foreign policy experience, but Trump described her as a “smart warrior for America First.” He has repeatedly condemned the UN and called the international organization anti-Semitic for its criticism of Israel’s bombing of Gaza.

Reports in the US media state that South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, who has been loyal to Trump for a long time, was chosen to run Homeland Security. He was on the shortlist to become vice president until controversy broke out over an anecdote in his book about shooting a dog.

“He doesn’t seem to have very warm feelings towards Canada,” Hampson said.

Last year, he claimed to be in talks with a Canadian family business looking to relocate to his province due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

But Noem also said the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, first negotiated under the Trump administration, was a “major victory.”

The tripartite agreement will be reviewed in 2026.

Trump’s former trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, served as an informal adviser to the president-elect during his transition, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said they had been in contact.

He is touted by analysts as an option for a variety of jobs in Trump’s second administration, including a return to the trade dossier, but Hampson said he is unlikely to return to the trade representative role.

Hampson said there were still significant questions about how comprehensive the tariffs would be and whether there would be cuts to industries such as energy. Trump and his team may also hang the tariff threat on upcoming trade negotiations.

“Will he impose tariffs on us on Day 1 or shortly thereafter?” Hampson asked.

Some experts urged Canada to remain calm and focus on opportunities rather than fears. Others called for bold action and creative thinking.

Canada revived its cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations 24 hours after securing Trump’s victory.

During Trump’s first presidency, Canada successfully negotiated a trilateral trade agreement, showing that the country’s interests and economies were aligned, Trudeau said Tuesday in Fredericton.

“This will continue to be the case,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.