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Canada appears to be getting closer to a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, but Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has recently taken a harder line against the president.

On Friday's episode of The Ezra Levant Show, Ezra talks about how Kinew criticized Trump’s approach to trade, saying Canadians do not like the way he treats Canada. Kinew also blamed Trump for higher gas prices and pointed to Trump’s policies on Iran and the Epstein files.

The timing of the comments comes as Canada and the United States appear to be moving closer to an agreement, raising questions about whether escalating rhetoric could make a deal more difficult.

Kinew’s role in international trade negotiations is also limited, as foreign trade and treaties fall under federal jurisdiction.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has similarly critiqued Trump while promoting Ontario’s plans to attract data-centre investment. Ford has argued that keeping Canadians’ data in Canada will protect it from Trump and the United States.

The repeated focus on Trump by Canadian political leaders comes as Ottawa continues negotiations with Washington. The contrast raises questions about whether Canadian leaders are focused on securing a deal or maintaining political support by taking a harder line against the U.S. president.

Ezra also discusses the political usefulness of continued tensions with Trump, particularly as Canadian leaders frame economic and policy decisions around protecting Canada from U.S. influence.