President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Monday that he would block the sale of Canadian-made aircraft by Bombardier within the United States unless the company shifts its manufacturing operations to American soil. The threat, delivered via his Truth Social platform, accuses Canada of maintaining “unjust and unfair” trade provisions and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tariff war between the two nations.
This development represents the second major move by the US president this year targeting the aerospace manufacturer, which currently has thousands of its jets operating in domestic airline fleets. The post came just one day before Canada was scheduled to implement retaliatory tariffs on a variety of American goods, signaling deepening bilateral tensions.
“No more selling Bombardier in the United States!” Trump wrote in capital letters, though he did not outline the specific mechanism for enforcing a sales halt. He argued that if Canadian companies wish to access the US market, they must manufacture locally and stop viewing America as a “piggybank.” The president also cited grievances regarding Canadian restrictions on American banks and corporations.
Bombardier pushed back against the allegations, releasing a statement Monday emphasizing its substantial economic contribution to the United States. The company highlighted that it supports tens of thousands of jobs through its expanding American footprint and a supply chain comprising approximately 2,800 US firms across 47 states. Additionally, Bombardier noted that its aircraft incorporate American-made engines, avionics, and other critical systems, and announced plans to open a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, later this year.
The conflict traces back to January, when Trump threatened to decertify Bombardier jets and impose a 50 percent tariff on Canadian aircraft. That grievance stemmed from Canada’s initial refusal to certify new models of US-made Gulfstream jets, a decision Trump claimed was reversed shortly after his intervention. However, those earlier threats were not ultimately executed.
Legal and regulatory experts note that any new move to ban Bombardier jets would face hurdles, as aircraft certification authority lies with the Federal Aviation Administration rather than the White House. Currently, Bombardier models remain certified for US operation and are exempt from existing tariffs.
The latest rhetoric follows the collapse of trade negotiations late last month. President Trump had previously imposed 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products, ranging from hockey sticks to cement. In response, Canada announced it would levy duties of 15, 25, and 50 percent on an equivalent value of US imports, including steel, aluminum, and dairy products, starting Tuesday.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended talks after days of meetings in Washington, stating that US terms were unacceptable. Carney alleged that US negotiators introduced last-minute restrictions on Canadian trade with other nations and made threats against the French language and Quebec culture. No further negotiations have taken place since the breakdown.
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