Part 6/8:
Moreover, the issue of defense spending cannot be overlooked. Trump’s criticisms extend to Canada’s contributions to NATO, where expenditures fall short of the 2% GDP guideline, remaining around 1.3%. The perception that Canada benefits disproportionately from U.S. military defenses while investing minimally in its own forces incites frustration in the U.S.
A Complex Relationship: Border Security and Military Obligations
One of the unexpected aspects of Trump’s rhetoric has centered on the shared U.S.-Canada border, primarily in relation to the fentanyl crisis. Acknowledging the low but existent flow of illegal drugs and other risks from Canada, Trump has emphasized the need for tighter border control; this argument stands against the long-held view of an unfortified bilateral border.