Trump’s threats cause the phrase “Canada is not for sale” to go popular

One businessman is benefiting from Donald Trump’s inflammatory threats against Canada after the new American president’s aggressive style inspired him.

A hat bearing the slogan “Canada is Not for Sale” was created by Liam Mooney, the proprietor of a design studio in Ottawa, in reaction to Trump’s tariff threats and proposals for Canada to become the 51st state in the union.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers in Ottawa last week to address Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on Canadian products, Ontario Premier Doug Ford donned one of the caps, which garnered notice.

Since then, Mooney claims that tens of thousands more hats have been ordered online.

According to Mooney, who spoke to Reuters, he created the hats as an imaginative response to President Trump’s statements, hoping to pierce political conversation with a message of solidarity and nationalism.

“It’s an opportunity to bring people together from all of civil society, regardless of political persuasion,” Mooney stated.

In addition to hurting Canada’s economy, tariffs would drive up the cost of commodities and fuels in the US.

Trump is threatening tariffs during a period of political unrest in Canada, where the opposition Conservatives are topping polls ahead of a federal election later this year and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is scheduled to step out in March after almost ten years in office.

Mooney claimed that after seeing one of Ford’s most recent Fox News interviews, he and his business partner created the caps. The presenter said that it would be a “privilege” for Canada to join the United States, and pushed the premier to think about annexation.

Canada is not for sale, Ford said.

In a video address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Trump stated that he expected Canada to show him respect. In the past, he has called Trudeau “Governor.”

“Our sovereignty is threatened when our dignity is disrespected,” Mooney stated. “We have allies and we have friends all around the world who are ready to rise to the call and defend us and join in.”