Trump Demands Bombardier Build in America or Lose US Market

President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning to Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier: start building planes on American soil or stop selling them in the United States. The demand lands as Canada prepares to slap retaliatory tariffs on more than 700 U.S. products, escalating a trade war that hits close to home for Iowa farmers and manufacturers.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote:

NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren't good enough!

He argued that more than 50 percent of Bombardier's revenue comes from the U.S., while Canada blocks American companies like Gulfstream Aerospace from doing business there.

What Did Trump Say About Bombardier?

Trump made a nearly identical threat in January, vowing to decertify Bombardier's Global Express jets and impose 50 percent tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft unless Canada certified Gulfstream models. Canada certified several Gulfstream planes the following month, quieting the dispute until now.

This time, the threat is wrapped into a broader fight with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariffs, a collapsed trade deal, and Trump's repeated suggestion that Canada become the 51st state. Trump accused Ottawa of treating the U.S. market as a piggybank, writing:

If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a 'piggybank.'

Who Actually Buys Bombardier Jets?

Bombardier jets are popular among celebrities and business titans. Oprah Winfrey flies a Bombardier Global Express XRS, Jay-Z owns a Global 7500, and Kylie Jenner's pink-striped Kylie Air is one of the most photographed private jets in the country. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also flies a Global Express.

But the customer base extends far beyond billionaires. About half of Bombardier's 5,100 aircraft are in service in the U.S., used by corporations, charter companies, and fractional-ownership operators. Wealth intelligence firm Altrata notes that corporate executives make up 62 of every 100 ultra-high-net-worth private-jet owners.

Bombardier's US Jobs and Revenue at Risk

Bombardier employs 3,100 people in the U.S., including its American headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, which houses a service center, flight-test facility, and defense operations. The company also supports thousands more jobs through 2,800 American suppliers.

Analysts peg Bombardier's 2026 revenue near $10.2 billion. If Trump's claim that more than half of sales come from the U.S. holds, a market ban could put nearly $5 billion at risk. Investors reacted quickly, with Bombardier shares falling between 5 and 9 percent within hours of Trump's post.

How Did the US-Canada Trade War Reach This Point?

Trade talks between Washington and Ottawa collapsed on August 21 after Canada rejected what Carney called unacceptable last-minute U.S. demands. The Trump administration then imposed 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods.

The two governments offer sharply different accounts. Carney says Canada offered to remove tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, and autos, but Washington demanded more, including limits on Canada's trade negotiations with other countries. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says Washington offered to lower tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, but Canada walked away.

Now, Canada is imposing new counter-tariffs of 15 to 50 percent on $27.6 billion in U.S. goods, including steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, and electronics. Canada also announced a $7.5 billion support package for affected workers and businesses.

Who Is Most Affected by the Trade War?

About 72 percent of Canada's merchandise exports go to the U.S., while only 15 percent of U.S. exports head north. The damage concentrates in border states like Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Alaska, and Iowa.

For Iowa, the stakes are high. The state's agricultural economy depends heavily on exports, and tariffs on agricultural equipment and dairy could ripple through local communities. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has not yet commented publicly, but the state's farmers and manufacturers are watching closely.

Maine Senator Susan Collins, facing a competitive reelection, called the tariffs a mistake. Michigan Representative Lisa McClain defended the approach as a way to level the playing field.

What Happens Next?

The dispute is unfolding as Washington prepares for a broader review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The Trump administration has begun discussions with Mexico, but formal talks with Canada have yet to resume.

For now, Bombardier's fate in the U.S. market hangs in the balance. The company said in January it hoped the dispute would be quickly resolved to avoid a significant impact to air traffic and the flying public. Whether Trump follows through on his threat remains to be seen, but the message is clear: America first, even in the skies.