Trump ‘decertifies’ Canadian aircraft, threatens tariffs in trade clash
President Donald Trump targeted Canada’s aircraft industry Thursday, saying the U.S. will “decertify” Canadian-made planes. In a Truth Social post, the president said Canada has “wrongfully and steadfastly” rejected certification for Gulfstream’s 500, 600, 700 and 800 jets.
As a result, Trump said, “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.”
Trump added that the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft sold domestically if the issue is not resolved.
Possible effect on air travel
CNBC reports the threat could significantly affect major U.S. carriers such as Delta and American, which rely on Canadian-built regional aircraft. Nearly 5,500 Canadian-made aircraft are currently registered in the U.S., including regional jets and helicopters.
Under international aviation rules, the country where an aircraft is designed is responsible for certification – the approval required for a plane to operate in a nation’s airspace. Other countries typically follow that lead, allowing the aircraft into their airspace, though they retain the authority to deny access.
Canadian reaction
Montreal-based Bombardier said in a statement it is working with the Canadian government and warned the dispute could have “significant impact to air traffic and the flying public.” The company noted it employs more than 3,000 people across nine U.S. facilities and supports thousands of domestic jobs though suppliers.
CNN reports it’s unclear whether Trump intends the decertification to apply to aircraft already in service. A source in the aviation industry told the network the move is understood to target new private planes, with “no indication” that passenger aircraft manufactured more than a decade ago would be affected.
Citing aviation analytics firm Cirium, CNN said 648 Bombardier-manufactured CRJ regional jets are currently used by U.S. airlines, accounting for roughly 2,600 daily flights.
Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, called the use of aircraft as a trade tool a bad idea, warning that sidelining CRJ regional jets would be a “transportation disaster.”
Growing US-Canada trade rift
The decertification threat marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing trade feud between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that began when the U.S. imposed tariffs on multiple countries in April 2025.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Carney criticized what he called economic coercion after Trump said “Canada lives because of the United States. “
The Associated Press reports the two leaders spoke by phone Monday, with Carney reiterating his remarks from Davos and signaling Canada plans to diversify its trade relationships beyond the U.S.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
