Trump’s Canada-bashing echoed by supporters at Dallas convention

Thousands of President Donald Trump's most devoted supporters convened in Dallas for the annual "Trump-a-Palooza" convention this week, with many echoing the president's persistent criticisms of Canada. Lona Heins, a Trump supporter from Tennessee, declared Canada to be "communist" and argued that it no longer shares the same values as the United States.

Heins expressed a desire for more information regarding the escalating trade tensions between the two nations, which were exacerbated by the Trump administration on Tuesday. During the convention, Trump proposed renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and claimed that Canada is eagerly seeking a trade agreement. Although Trump appeared less confrontational than usual during his remarks about Canada, his negative sentiments towards the country appear to have resonated with his followers.

A March Gallup poll indicated that Canada's favorable rating among Republicans dropped 23 points, from 85% in 2025 to 62% in the current year.