California Governor Gavin Newsom predicts that internal pressure from Republican Party members will compel U.S. President Donald Trump to resume negotiations with Canada. In an interview with CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton, Newsom highlighted the growing criticism within Trump’s own party.
The Governor’s comments come ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, which will serve as a significant test for Trump’s administration. With Republicans currently holding the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, there is a risk of losing control in the upcoming November elections.
Following the breakdown of trade discussions between Canada and the U.S., Prime Minister Mark Carney paused negotiations, responding to Trump’s imposition of new tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods shortly thereafter. Newsom expressed confidence that Trump cannot afford to prolong the pause, suggesting a swift return to the negotiation table within a matter of days to a few weeks.
Emphasizing California’s stance, Newsom condemned Trump’s behavior towards Canada and expressed dismay over the impact of the ongoing trade dispute. The state has been significantly affected, particularly with California wine facing challenges in the Canadian market. Canada was previously the largest foreign market for California wine, but exports to Canada experienced a substantial decline of $343 million US between 2024 and 2025.
When asked about the sentiment among California wine producers towards Canada, Newsom acknowledged a sense of animosity, attributing it to the painful repercussions of Trump’s trade policies. He distanced California from Trump’s actions, asserting the state’s contrasting values.
Despite the challenges faced by California’s wine industry, Newsom recognized the complexities of resolving the trade dispute, pointing out that the return of wine to Canadian shelves may not occur in the near future. He praised Carney’s approach in dealing with Trump, noting that the President respects strength and conviction.
Newsom, who is not seeking re-election as Governor of California, is speculated to be a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race. While he did not rule out the possibility of running, he emphasized that his opposition to Trump’s tariffs is not driven by political ambition but a genuine concern for the state’s interests.