트럼프 ‘프랑스어 쓰지마’ 캐나다 압박…오히려 퀘벡 분리독립 지지 급락

United States President Donald Trump clarified that trade negotiations with Canada did not collapse over France language requirements, but rather over different viewpoints. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Kodi stated that the US threatened to restrict French language use, calling it a threat to Quebec and Canada's culture that they would not accept.

Trump affirmed he would not impede French language use among Canadians, and even claimed he loves Quebecers. As criticism grew over the US threatening Canada's official language rights, Trump's clarifications marked a shift from constant pressure on French language restrictions. The US requested Canada prioritize French content for streaming services in Quebec, and the US trade representative included it as a trade barrier in the 2026 trade barriers report.

Canada's French language rights and bilingual nature are enshrined in the constitution, with both official languages having equal status in federal institutions. This incident has fueled anger among French-language Quebec residents, who now have a strong negative view of Trump. With 80% of French-speaking Quebecers supporting Trump, the Canadian government's interference has weakened Quebec's separatist momentum and may have ended the Trudeau government's push for a third independence referendum in October.

Quebec's support for independence has dipped to around 30% of the population for the first time in decades, with many Quebec residents opting to remain within Canada.