Angry at what he sees as a slow certification process for Gulfstream jets in Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a decree (on social media of course) “decertifying” aircraft made in Canada and threatened 50% tariffs on future deliveries. But the White House has quickly clarified that this ban will not be enforced on jets already delivered.
Trump “Decertifies” Jets Made In Canada, Threatens Massive Tariffs…But White House Quickly Walks Back Presidential Decree
Let’s look at President Trump’s post on his “Truth Social” media platform:
Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, one of the greatest, most technologically advanced airplanes ever made, 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. Further, Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process. If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50% Tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Trump alleges Canada is “wrongfully” and “steadfastly refusing” to certify the latest Gulfstream models. But Transport Canada’s website reportedly indicates that the 500 and 600 series are actually already certified, while newer models (700/800) have faced delays.
Many wondered whether this order would mean that regional carriers operating on behalf of American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express would have to cancel the majority of their flights today…
That won’t happen. The White House told Reuters that Trump was not decertifying Canadian-built planes currently in operation.
My Thoughts
First, it is possible that Canada is dragging out the certification of these jets to protect its domestic aircraft industry and as is often the case, Trump’s point (lack of parity in trade) is not wholly unreasonable, but his execution (unilateral decree by social media) is. Transport Canada is also a regulatory agency that is severely backlogged and there could no ill intent in terms of protecting Canadian manufacturers.
Second, we see TACO Don striking again with outlandish threats that even his own handlers have to quickly walk back. I understand why many of his supporters voted for him, but is this what you voted for? This sort of embarrassment over Iceland Greenland? Flip-flopping on tariffs? Ballooning the federal deficit and national debt? Placing federal troops on U.S. streets because the gardeners and cleaners are such a threat to national security? How’s that “Don’t Tread On Me”?
I’m so disappointed because Trump could have done this so differently and actually earned the adulation he so desperately covets…and this latest brouhaha seems specifically geared toward anger that Canadian Prime Minster Mark Carney received a standing ovation in Davos, Switzerland last week and Trump did not. It’s the typical response of a narcissist like President Trump.
I would hope that the U.S. President cannot “decertify” any jet himself…we don’t live in a banana republic (yet).
Once again, the world is laughing at us.
CONCLUSION
President Trump said he was unilaterally decertifying Canadian-made jets because he thinks Canada is taking too long to certify U.S.-made jets. While the dust is still settling, the White House has quickly cleared that this effective ban would not impact aircraft already delivered and in operation.
Regardless of your political persuasion, you do have to wonder what prompts these diatribes from the President and whether he has anyone to speak truth to him versus echo chamber of sycophants who don’t let the emperor know that his diaper stinks…
Trump’s dementia is real.
The problem is the dementia of the sycophants surrounding him.
I’d consider then accomplices at worst, and enablers at best, which is to say, they’re all complicit, and must be held accountable, too, once all is said and done, ideally sooner than later.
Biden and Trump both need to be admitted to the same nursing home. Bad judgment is often an early sign of dementia, which is why elderly are scammed. Alternatively, the Board of Peace should be made a full time position with a ban on moonlighting.
It will all be over in a year when he becomes a lame duck and completely over in 2 years.
Based on the fact that the United States has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Allegris Business Class Seat on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, we hereby announce our intention to decertify all aircraft manufactured in the United States, including those produced by Boeing, Cessna, McDonnell Douglas, and the L-1011, as well as all aircraft made in Venezuela. This refusal to certify effectively blocks fair market access through an unjust certification process. Unless this matter is immediately and fully corrected, these decertifications will remain in force. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ
CHANCELLOR AND CEO OF THE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
Oh dear, yet another day of the dysfunctional toddler throwing his toys out of his cot. I guess it’s just normal for Criminal Trump.
Mark Carney received a standing ovation in Davos. Trump was ignored.
Furthermore, Canadians haven’t filled theaters showing the spectacular $40 million blockbuster “Melania,” nor have they submitted the film for the Best Picture Oscar.
So, it’s time for Canadians to pay up.
Can you imagine one year from now, when “Melania” really doesn’t even get an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film? Trump will be blowing up for days, if not weeks.
The certification issue is that the FAA granted an exception to Gulfstream G700/800 relating to a fuel system test. Transport Canada hasn’t granted the same exception. Gulfstream still has to do the test but is allowed to deliver the jets.
https://www.globalair.com/articles/faa-extends-gulfstream-g700-g800-fuel-icing-exemption-through-2026?id=6867
I wouldn’t be disappointed if all carriers ditched the CRJ, generally, as the E2s and a220 are far better aircraft, from passenger experience alone, than the CRJ.
Brazil is bad too. They made Bolsonaro stand trial for his crimes and handed down a fair punishment.
Two sources claim that the g500 and g600 are certified and listed on Transport Canada website. Half of the Trump claim is wrong. As for the last two models, the FAA gave them a temporary exemption and Canada agreed they can fly into its air space temporarily until Gulfstream performs the necessary testing. Effectively the same treatment by the FAA and Transport Canada and not impeding the sale of a Gulfstream to anyone. Not too many Canadians buying $45 million aircraft this year and registering them in Canada.
What’s embarrassing is your spelling. Pr proofreading. Take your pick. Traffics? How do you level a traffic?
Found the sycophant!
Welcome to the rebellion Matthew. It’s gonna take a lot of us.
How can Trump handler’s walk back the president’s statement? Who is actually running the country?
Stephen Miller.
And today you can add arresting journalists to that list of things Trump is doing wrong.
What a surprise (not)
To the attentipn of Embraer!
The Republicans have been working towards a banana republic and now it’s here.
You were so intent on “spreading democracy” abroad, you never saw how it is failing at home.
Reading the Live and Let’s Fly breakdown of President Trump’s dramatic announcement about “decertifying” jets made in Canada and threatening steep tariffs was more than just another aviation headline, it was a vivid example of how modern policy plays out in the public square, blending trade, regulatory nuance, and presidential rhetoric in ways that affect industries and communities on both sides of a border. The clarification from the White House that delivered aircraft already in service won’t be grounded underscores how reality often tempers political flair, but the underlying tensions over certification fairness, industrial cooperation, and regulatory authority remain real and consequential. It reminded me that our legal and economic systems are deeply interconnected, and that when leaders invoke sweeping actions in public forums, it’s all the more important to scrutinize not just the words but the mechanisms, who has authority, what the actual rules are, and how everyday people and jobs hang in the balance between headline and implementation.