President Donald Trump on Monday declared that Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier should no longer be permitted to sell its aircraft in the United States, escalating his trade conflict with Canada. The statement quickly drew a response from Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), whose state hosts Bombardier’s U.S. headquarters, highlighting growing Republican unease over the administration’s Canada policy.
Trump’s Demand and Rationale
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” He accused the company of relying heavily on American buyers, companies, airports, and service networks while Canada allegedly blocks U.S. banks and businesses from operating freely north of the border.
“If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank,’” Trump added, signaling a hardline stance on foreign market access.
Senator Moran’s Pushback
Hours later, Moran pushed back on X, emphasizing Bombardier’s importance to Kansas. “The presence of Bombardier in Wichita supports a local workforce of more than a thousand employees, who contribute their talent and expertise to our nation’s defense and aerospace capabilities,” he wrote.
Moran also noted that he had contacted the Trump administration to ensure the president understood Bombardier’s contributions to Kansas and the broader supply chain. “This afternoon, I reached out to the Trump administration to make certain the President is aware of the significant contributions of Bombardier to Kansas and the importance of its presence in Wichita to many Kansas workers at Bombardier and in the Bombardier supply chain,” Moran stated.
Bombardier’s Defense of Its U.S. Operations
Bombardier responded with a statement underscoring its role as a major U.S. employer and defense partner. The company said it has “creating tens of thousands of jobs across the United States,” with facilities in Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, Delaware, California, Washington D.C., and New Jersey, and direct employment in more than 20 states.
Highlighting its American-made components, Bombardier noted that “the wings for the world’s fastest business jet are made by American workers at Bombardier’s facility in Red Oak, Texas while crucial flight control components are made in Bombardier’s Los Angeles, California area facility.” The company also pointed to planned expansions in defense activities and a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, set to open later this year.
Context of the Trade War
Trump’s latest attack on Bombardier comes amid a broader trade war with Canada. The president has imposed new tariffs on Canadian products and signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. In retaliation, Canada announced tariffs on nearly $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, set to take effect Tuesday.
The dispute has created friction within Republican ranks, as senators from states with significant cross-border economic ties worry about the impact on local jobs and industries.