How not to handle Trump: Lessons from Canada's fumbled response

His many personas confuse, but nations should focus on official presidential voice

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A person wearing a mask of President Donald Trump poses for a photo in front of a Canadian flag to show support for Canada regarding trade tariffs, in front of the White House on March 13, 2025.  © AP

Jeff Mahon is a former deputy director of the greater China division at Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry. He now works at advisory company StrategyCorp.

Canada has figured prominently in U.S. President Donald Trump's opening salvos against the status quo. In the barrage of executive orders and seemingly never-ending economic attacks against Canada, its leaders have seemed at times flat-footed and confused.

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