Trump criticism of Canada echoed by supporters at Dallas convention

Thousands of U.S. President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters gathered in Dallas this week for “Trump-a-Palooza,” where many repeated the president’s persistent criticism of Canada.

Lona Heins of Tennessee said Canada is now “communist” and no longer shares the same values as the United States. She said she needs more information about bilateral trade tensions, which were escalated by the Trump administration on Tuesday, but hopes the situation can be resolved.

Speaking at the unusual Republican midterm convention on Wednesday, Trump again discussed his effort to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” and claimed Canada is desperate for a trade deal.

Trump was more subdued than usual in his comments about Canada, which he has threatened to annex for nearly two years. Gallup polling published in March found that Canada’s favourable rating among Republicans fell 23 points, from 85 per cent in 2025 to 62 per cent this year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026.