President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that all Canadian-built aircraft would lose their U.S. certification until Canada approves American-made Gulfstream business jets, a move that could trigger major travel disruptions if enacted.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of “wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly” refusing to certify Gulfstream’s newest models — the 500, 600, 700, and 800. “We are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago,” he wrote. He also threatened a 50 percent tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold to the U.S.
It remains unclear how Trump could unilaterally enforce such decertification or what the measure would entail. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration directed questions to the White House, which had not responded to AFP at the time of reporting.
Quebec-based Bombardier acknowledged Trump’s post, stating that it is “in contact with the Canadian government.” The company highlighted the potential consequences, noting that “thousands of private and civilian jets built in Canada fly in the U.S. every day” and urging a swift resolution to avoid “a significant impact to air traffic and the flying public.”
While the immediate dispute centers on the Gulfstream business jets, Trump’s declaration to decertify “all” Canadian aircraft could also affect CRJ regional jets and Airbus A220s, widely used by U.S. airlines on short-haul routes.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of confrontations with Canada since Trump’s return to power, following earlier threats of 100 percent tariffs in response to economic deals struck by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in China. Carney downplayed the threat, framing it within the context of a forthcoming review of the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal.
Despite ongoing tensions, more than 85 percent of U.S.-Canada trade has remained tariff-free. Relations between Trump and Carney have deteriorated in recent days, following the Canadian leader’s critical speech on U.S. global leadership at the World Economic Forum in Davos — which earned him a standing ovation. Trump responded during his own Davos address and on social media, asserting that “Canada lives because of the United States” and referring to Carney as a “governor.”
