Canadians Vote in Pivotal Election, as Trump’s Tariffs, Annexation Talk Loom Large

Trump last week warned he might impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian-made cars and, on election day, once again called for Canada to join the United States.

Voters lining up outside a polling station prior to opening to cast their ballots on election day, in Ottawa, Canada, on April 28, 2025. Dave Chan/AFP/Getty Images

EDMONTON, Canada—Canadians headed to the polls on April 28 in a pivotal election after a campaign shaped in part by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and repeated calls to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

What began as a contest focused on affordability, housing, and crime evolved into a campaign dominated by questions of sovereignty and patriotism after Trump repeatedly suggested annexing Canada and threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.