Why Maine Tourists May Be Harder to Find This Summer Amid Trump’s Trade War

As a proud citizen of Nova Scotia, Canada, I’ve always had a deep connection with the United States, particularly the beautiful state of Maine. The state’s charm, with its scenic beauty, friendly people, and welcoming atmosphere, has made it a place I’ve visited multiple times. I’ve enjoyed a concert in Bangor at the amphitheater, had memorable meals at my favorite Italian restaurant in Freeport, and even climbed the iconic Katahdin mountain. In fact, I’ve stood on the summit of Katahdin three times, twice taking the challenging Knife Edge trail. It’s less than five hours from my home in Nova Scotia, and it’s a place I hold dear.

However, as I sit here thinking about my future visits to Maine, I find myself reassessing my plans, thanks to the trade war initiated by American President Donald Trump. I had intended to return to Katahdin this summer with my daughter, but with each passing day, it seems less likely that I will do so.

Trump’s Trade War with Canada: A Misguided Strategy

The trade war that President Trump has sparked with Canada is, in my view, an unnecessary and misguided approach. Ostensibly, Trump’s goal is to curb illegal immigration and halt the flow of fentanyl into the United States. However, it takes only a quick search on Google to realize that the flow of either issue from Canada is negligible. The claims Trump makes about Canada subsidizing the U.S. are also exaggerated. Yes, our two countries do a lot of trade with each other, and that benefits both nations—something Mainers know all too well.

Trump’s criticisms of Canada’s trade practices are rooted in claims that we are unfairly benefiting from our relationship with the U.S., but the reality is far more complex. The truth is that the president’s grievances are largely baseless, and while he may have a legitimate concern with Canada’s military spending (or lack thereof, in relation to NATO’s 2 percent GDP defense commitment), the broader issues are simply part of his populist rhetoric.

A Trade War as Propaganda

When I look at the situation, I see the trade war as nothing more than an exercise in propaganda—a classic case of the strongman playbook. The strategy is simple: find an enemy, attack it, and consolidate power by portraying yourself as the defender of the nation. This is precisely what Trump has done with Canada. By initiating a trade war with our country, he paints a picture of America fighting against foreign adversaries, even when there’s little justification for such aggression.

While Trump’s actions may stir up his base, the long-term consequences are damaging to both nations. The trade war will undoubtedly hurt both American and Canadian economies, but the impact on Canada, while significant, won’t be catastrophic. Our industries will continue to thrive, and our cities will remain bustling. We may feel the sting of higher tariffs, but we won’t be brought to our knees by them.

One thing that Trump has grossly underestimated is the resilience and unity of Canadians. In the face of this trade war, my fellow Canadians are coming together. Trade barriers between provinces are coming down, and political disagreements are being put on hold as we rally against this external threat. We’re already drawing up lists of “Made in the USA” products that we will no longer purchase, and we’re actively seeking new markets for our goods. The actions of the U.S. may hurt us, but we will find ways to adapt and thrive.

The Impact on Maine’s Economy

As for me, my response to the trade war is simple: I won’t be visiting Maine this summer. Maine may lose a tourist, and Freeport may have more empty parking spaces in July. Bangor may have more vacant hotel rooms, and I won’t be there to enjoy the beauty of the state. I’ve always cherished my trips to Maine, but the aggressive stance taken by the Trump administration toward Canada has made me rethink my travel plans.

It’s not just my personal decision; many Canadians are feeling the same way. The economic fallout from this trade war is making it less appealing for us to spend money in the U.S. when there are alternative destinations closer to home. While Maine’s economy may not collapse due to this decision, it will undoubtedly feel the impact of fewer Canadian tourists.

Maybe, instead of visiting Maine, some of you will come to visit us in Nova Scotia instead. Your dollar will go a long way here, and I promise you’ll be welcomed with open arms. We have plenty to offer—beautiful coastlines, rich culture, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. And, of course, if you bring whoopie pies, I’m sure you’ll make even more new friends.

A Piece of Advice: Leave the MAGA Hats at Home

Before I sign off, I’d like to offer a piece of advice for Mainers who may be planning to visit Canada in the future: If you want to maintain the illusion that Canadians are always mild-mannered and nice, it might be a good idea to leave your MAGA hats at home. While we pride ourselves on being friendly, the political climate surrounding this trade war has left many Canadians feeling less than enthusiastic about American symbols of support for Trump’s administration.

It’s not about being unkind—it’s about standing up for what we believe is right. We’re a proud nation with a strong sense of identity, and we’re not willing to let our self-respect be compromised. While I’ve always admired the warmth and hospitality of Mainers, I believe it’s important to stand firm in the face of policies that harm both our countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada is not just a matter of economics—it’s a personal issue for many of us who have strong ties to both nations. The impact of this trade war may not be immediately felt, but in the long run, it could have far-reaching consequences for the relationships between the two countries.

For now, I’ve decided to put my plans to visit Maine on hold. Instead, I’ll spend my time supporting my fellow Canadians and advocating for a more reasonable approach to international trade. Maine will still be there when this trade war is over, but in the meantime, I will stand with my country and choose to make my voice heard.

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