Donald Trump’s verbal threats towards Canada are paying off for one entrepreneur, after the new US president’s combative approach gave him an idea.
Liam Mooney, founder of an Ottawa-based design firm, made a hat emblazoned with “Canada is not for sale” in response to Trump’s tariff threats and suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. state.
The hats gained attention after Ontario Premier Doug Ford wore one during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers in Ottawa last week to discuss Trump’s vow to impose tariffs on imports from Canada.
According to Mooney, tens of thousands of hats have been ordered online since then.
Mooney told Reuters he designed the hats as a creative rebuttal to President Trump’s rhetoric, aiming to cut through political discourse with a message of nationalism and unity.
“It’s an opportunity to bring people together from across civil society, regardless of political persuasion,” Mooney said.
Tariffs would cripple the Canadian economy and also raise the price of oil and other goods in the United States.
Trump is threatening tariffs at a time of political turmoil in Canada, with Liberal leader Trudeau ousted in March after nearly a decade in power and opposition Conservatives leading in the polls ahead of a federal election later this year.
Mooney said he and his business partner designed the hats after watching one of Ford’s recent interviews on Fox News. The host urged the prime minister to consider annexation, suggesting it would be a “privilege” for Canada to merge with the US
Ford responded that Canada is not for sale.
Trump told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, via video on Thursday that he demanded respect from Canada. He has previously addressed Trudeau as “governor.”
“Our sovereignty is threatened when our dignity is not respected,” Mooney said. “We have allies and we have friends around the world who are ready to answer the call and defend us and join us.”
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