Trudeau’s 21 Seconds of Silence
How he (wordlessly) said more than enough about the situation in the US.
Trudeau’s honeymoon period only really existed outside of Canada.
While the rest of the liberal world might have adored Trudeau for a considerable period of time, Canadians voted for him in a 2016 federal election no less mired in controversy than any other. Through numerous scandals, public opinion on Trudeau has shifted back and forth, as it tends to with any politician. All the while, however, the vast majority of Canadians have looked at our southerly neighbours and been at least somewhat grateful for the Prime Minister.
Which brings us to June 2nd.
Trudeau is asked for comment on Trump threatening military action against protestors. He stops to think. It’s a strange pause — there are several occasions when it seems like he’s about to speak. Then he does:
We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States.
He proceeds to place the focus back on Canada, which too has undeniable and pervasive problems with racism and police violence. He doesn’t refer to Trump by name, and besides a reference to being ‘allies’ in the fight against racism, he avoids the United States altogether.
When pressed, he responds:
My job as a Canadian prime minister is to stand up for Canadians.
In politics, even silence can be controversial. Opposing political parties, including the NDP and Bloq Quebecois, quickly spoke out against Trudeau’s refusal to condemn the Trump administration, with the Bloc Quebecois leader commenting that Trudeau ‘needs a spine’.
However, this point of view demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding about the role of Prime Minister. Commenting on the internal politics of foreign nations, especially those of Canada’s closest ally and trading partner, would be deeply irresponsible. Trudeau’s words don’t represent his personal opinion or that of his party; they are perceived by the world as the official Canadian stance.
There is a distinct possibility Canada’s diplomats and politicians will have to work closely with the Trump administration for another 4 years. Regardless of whether criticizing the President is improper on the part of a foreign head of government, it surely comes with little benefit to Canadians and Americans alike.
Moreover, if Canadian leadership has a principled obligation to stand in vocal opposition to problematic actions by foreign governments, this obligation clearly doesn’t end with Trump. The undeniable conclusion of this principle being applied in full would be the annihilation of some of Canada’s most important diplomatic ties.
As for Trudeau’s message, his initial silence was absolutely intended to be a part of it. I find it implausible that Trudeau spent those 21 seconds coming up with a response to a line of questioning he would have been prepared for. The 21 seconds were planned to elicit media attention on what would have otherwise been yet another non-answer from a politician. His pause before speaking sharply juxtaposes the impulsiveness typically associated with Trump. And Trudeau’s disapproval of the actions of the US government was left more than clear to those willing to read between the lines (certain politicians not included).
He said more than enough.
