California Governor Gavin Newsom predicts that internal pressure within the Republican Party will compel President Donald Trump to resume negotiations with Canada. Newsom highlighted that Trump is facing strong criticism from his own party, suggesting that he will soon return to the negotiating table. With the upcoming U.S. midterm elections posing a test to Trump’s administration, the Republican majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives is at risk of being lost 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 this, Newsom expressed confidence that Trump cannot afford an extended break from negotiations and expects him to return within a matter of days or a few weeks.
California’s stance on Trump’s actions was made clear by Newsom, who denounced the president’s behavior towards Canada. He expressed his disgust with Trump, labeling him an invasive presence in the White House and feeling embarrassed as an American. The ongoing trade war has significantly impacted California, particularly in the wine sector, where products have been absent from many provinces’ shelves for over a year.
Canada was a vital market for California wine, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, wine exports to Canada decreased by $343 million between 2024 and 2025. Newsom acknowledged the challenges faced by California wine producers and attributed the situation to Trump’s policies. Despite potential animosity towards Canada from these wine makers, Newsom emphasized that the responsibility lies with Trump and not with California, which he described as the most anti-Trump state in the country.
While recognizing the unlikelihood of an immediate return of wine to Canadian shelves, Newsom praised Carney’s approach in dealing with Trump, highlighting the importance of strength and conviction in negotiations with the president. Newsom, who is not seeking re-election as California governor, is speculated to be a Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race. When asked about his motives in opposing Trump’s tariffs, he clarified that it is not linked to his potential political ambitions but did not rule out the possibility of running for office in the future.