California Governor Gavin Newsom asserts that internal pressure from the Republican Party will compel U.S. President Donald Trump to re-engage in negotiations with Canada.
“He’s under significant pressure. His party is really putting the heat on him right now,” Newsom stated in an interview with CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton.
These remarks come just months ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, which will serve as a barometer for Trump’s presidency. Currently, Republicans control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but they face the possibility of losing both chambers in the upcoming November elections.
Last week, trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to pause negotiations. Subsequently, new tariffs imposed by Trump on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods went into effect just hours later.
However, Newsom expressed confidence that Trump cannot afford an extended break in talks.
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“I firmly believe that in just a few days, I can’t see it taking more than two or three weeks, he will be back at the negotiating table,” the governor commented.
Newsom made it clear regarding California’s stance: “We do not, in any way, support this president’s actions regarding how he has treated you.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to the collapse of U.S.-Canada trade talks, telling CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton that Prime Minister Mark Carney is ‘playing this well’ because Donald Trump doesn’t respect weakness.
The outspoken critic of Trump expressed to Barton his “disgust” towards the “invasive species” in the White House, referring to Trump, and conveyed his embarrassment as an American.
California is facing significant ramifications from the trade conflict, with wines from the state having been unavailable on the shelves of most provinces for over a year.
Canada was the primary foreign market for California wines. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, wine exports from the U.S. to Canada fell by $343 million USD between 2024 and 2025.
When Barton inquired whether California winemakers harbor resentment towards Canada, Newsom replied, “Yes, I believe there is.”
He described the situation as “painful” and attributed the blame to Trump.
“It’s not California,” he asserted. “California is the most anti-Trump state in America.”
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Despite these challenges, Newsom acknowledges that wine is unlikely to reappear on shelves in the near future, following the cancellation of a deal that would have lifted the alcohol ban.
He commended Carney’s strategy in dealings with Trump: “His strength, clarity, and conviction: Trump respects strength, but does not respect weakness.”
“T. Rex Trump,” Newsom remarked, “will consume you” if you are not strong.
Newsom has decided not to run for re-election as California’s governor. Many believe he is a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
When Barton asked if his opposition to Trump’s tariffs was a strategic move for a future campaign, he clarified that “it has nothing to do with my motivations.”
Yet, Newsom did not dismiss the idea of running.
“That’s fate… but I’m not naive about where fate might lead,” he stated.
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