A trade fight between Washington and Ottawa has taken a sharper turn, with a major Canadian manufacturer, Bombardier, now caught in the crossfire. The latest threat is already creating concern among American workers and businesses tied to the company, giving some Republicans reason to push back before the dispute causes even more economic fallout.
Republican Sen. Jerry Moran responds to Trump’s Bombardier sales threat
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran quickly challenged President Donald Trump’s latest move after Trump threatened to block Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier from selling jets in the United States unless it manufactures them domestically.
Moran pointed to Bombardier’s Wichita operation, telling the administration to recognize the company’s “significant contributions” to Kansas and its importance to workers and the broader supply chain.
Moran’s warning comes as Bombardier maintains a sizable American footprint despite being headquartered in Montreal. As per the company’s statement, it employs thousands of people across nine U.S. facilities, while its supply network includes nearly 2,800 companies spread across 47 states. Bombardier also says it spends more than $2.5 billion annually with American suppliers and uses U.S.-made engines, avionics and other major components.
Trump delivered his ultimatum Monday through Truth Social, arguing that Bombardier benefits heavily from American customers while Canada restricts U.S. companies. “If they want our Market, they must build here,” Trump wrote, also accusing the company of treating America like a “piggybank.” His remarks arrived just before Canada activated roughly $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs against American goods.
The company responded by highlighting the jobs and investment it already generates inside the United States. Bombardier said its American operations support tens of thousands of jobs and emphasized that U.S. workers build wings for its fastest business jet in Texas, while other key aircraft components come from its California operation. The company also plans to “grow its defense activities as well as its service network.”
Earlier, Canada raised duties on American steel and aluminum to 50% while extending tariffs to products including agricultural goods, appliances and construction materials.
