California Governor Gavin Newsom predicts that internal pressure from the Republican Party will compel U.S. President Donald Trump to resume negotiations with Canada. In an interview with CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton, Newsom highlighted the mounting criticism Trump is facing from his own party.
With the upcoming U.S. midterm elections posing a critical test for Trump’s presidency, Republicans currently hold the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives but face the risk of losing control in November. Recent trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to pause negotiations. Subsequently, Trump imposed new tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods.
Despite the breakdown in talks, Newsom expressed confidence that Trump cannot afford to prolong the standstill. He anticipated Trump’s return to the negotiating table within a matter of days or at most a few weeks.
Newsom asserted California’s stance against Trump’s actions towards Canada, stating, “We do not in any way condone the behavior of this president in how he has treated you.” The governor also criticized Trump, labeling him as an “invasive species” in the White House and expressing embarrassment as an American.
The ongoing trade dispute is significantly impacting California, particularly the state’s wine industry, which has suffered from the trade war repercussions. California wines have been absent from many provinces’ shelves for over a year, with Canada being the largest foreign market for California wine. However, between 2024 and 2025, U.S. wine exports to Canada plummeted by $343 million, as per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Addressing the animosity among California wine producers towards Canada, Newsom acknowledged its existence, attributing the hardship to Trump’s policies. He emphasized that California stands in opposition to Trump’s approach, declaring itself as the “most un-Trump state in America.”
Recognizing the challenges faced by California wine makers in the current trade climate, Newsom commended Carney’s firm stance against Trump, noting that Trump respects strength but not weakness.
Newsom, who is not seeking re-election as California’s governor, is speculated to be a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race. While he did not rule out the possibility of running, he emphasized that his opposition to Trump’s tariffs is not driven by political ambitions.
As discussions continue regarding Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., set for September 8, public opinion remains divided.
