California Governor Gavin Newsom asserts that internal pressures from the Republican Party will compel U.S. President Donald Trump to re-engage in negotiations with Canada.
“He’s under significant pressure. His own party is really giving him a hard time right now,” Newsom shared with CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton during an interview.
These remarks come just months ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, which will put Trump’s presidency to the test. Currently, Republicans dominate both the Senate and House of Representatives, but they face the possibility of losing control of both chambers in November.
Negotiations between Canada and the United States came to a standstill late last week, with Prime Minister Mark Carney halting discussions. Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian goods valued at approximately $28 billion took effect shortly thereafter.
However, Newsom believes that Trump cannot afford to prolong this pause.
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“I firmly believe he’ll be back at the negotiating table within just a couple of days, at most two or three weeks,” the governor stated.
Newsom emphasized California’s stance: “We do not condone, in any respect, the way this president 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” over what he termed the “invasive species” in the White House. “I am embarrassed to be an American,” he added.
California is facing severe impacts from the trade conflict, with wines from the state being unavailable in most provinces for over a year.
Historically, Canada has been the largest foreign market for California wines. However, U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that wine exports from the U.S. to Canada fell by $343 million US between 2024 and 2025.
When Barton asked whether California winemakers harbor resentment towards Canada, Newsom replied, “Yes, I believe there is.”
He characterized their plight as “painful” and attributed the responsibility to Trump.
“This isn’t California’s fault,” he noted. “I represent the most anti-Trump state in America.”
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Nonetheless, Newsom acknowledges the improbability of wines returning to store shelves soon, especially after a proposed agreement to lift the alcohol ban was abandoned.
He commended Carney’s strategy towards Trump: “His strength, clarity, and conviction matter: Trump values power and does not regard weakness.”
“T. Rex Trump,” Newsom remarked, “will consume you” if you are not strong.
Newsom is not pursuing re-election as California’s governor and is widely considered a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race.
When Barton inquired whether his stance against Trump’s tariffs was a strategic move for a future campaign, he replied that “it has nothing to do with my motivations.”
Nonetheless, Newsom did not dismiss the possibility of running.
“That’s up to fate … but I’m not oblivious to where fate may lead,” he remarked.
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