U.S. President Donald Trump complains that allies did not join America in the fight, but neglects to mention that he launched the war without involving any other country except Israel.

By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on April 13, 2026.

OTTAWA—Easter is supposed to be the holiest day on the Christian calendar.

It is the day when the Son of God rises from the dead in an effort to free all men from sin, and open the doors to the gates of Heaven.

United States President Donald Trump secured his presidential victory by enlisting religious leaders and their congregations with his promise to stack their Supreme Court with anti-abortion judges, and to ensure that his political team would promote Christian principles.

So it was a little hard to swallow Trump’s Easter Sunday, profanity-laced message of “Praise be to Allah,” and a vow to eradicate the Iranian civilization.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell—JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

The post on his social media outlet prompted a swift reaction from some unusual corners.

Tucker Carlson, a conservative pundit and Trump supporter, called the post “vile on every level.” In a Carlson podcast, he retorted “How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country? Who do you think you are? You’re tweeting out the f-word on Easter morning.”

Carlson also accused Trump of mocking the religion of Islam, stating, “no decent person mocks other peoples’ religion. You may have a problem with the theology …but to mock another person’s faith is to mock the idea of faith itself.”

Carlson has joined a growing group of former Trump supporters who are unhappy with the president’s decision to launch military attacks across the Middle East.

Many MAGA supporters were attracted by Trump’s claim that the U.S. did not have to be involved in world conflict. In fact, he promised he would focus on home-grown issues like the economy.

Instead, gas prices have been rising globally throughout the war that Trump started, and the American economy is suffering from tariff-based supply-chain problems and increasing energy costs.

His personal popularity is now lower than at any point in the administration of then-president Joe Biden.

And with the November mid-term elections looming, the president is obviously feeling the heat.

His Easter ‘f**k’ tweet was one of 70 that he apparently posted that day. You wonder who can actually stop him? It appears that he won’t follow the advice of anyone he doesn’t agree with.

Just last week, the U.S. Army chief of staff leading the war effort mysteriously retired.

The New York Times subsequently reported that the reason for Gen. Randy George’s departure was that he refused a request from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to delete two women and two black officers from a promotion list.

Hegseth fired two other officers on the same day, and the retirement notice posted by remaining military personnel was clearly aimed at backing their military leadership and not their political masters.

“Since 1988, General George and his family have consistently answered the nation’s call with honour and dedication. We are profoundly thankful to General George and his wife, Patty, for their many years of sacrifice and devotion to those who serve. As they graduate from this distinguished chapter of service and look toward the future, we wish them both continued happiness and success in all that lies ahead.”

That statement was widely interpreted as a major show of support for the ousted general, and a slap in the face to Hegseth and his political boss.

Meanwhile, the date and time of the hellfire that was supposed to be visited on Iran keeps changing.

While Trump was announcing a ceasefire, Iran was striking Kuwait and Israel was attacking Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.

Oil prices plunged and stock markets rose upon word of the ceasefire, but as details fail to be confirmed, global uncertainty continues.

Trump’s press secretary confirmed the possibility that the U.S. could leave NATO. When referring to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, “They were tested. And they failed,” was Karoline Leavitt’s direct quote from the president.

Trump continues to complain that allies did not join America in the fight, but neglects to mention that he launched the war without involving any other country except Israel.

He also keeps saying that the U.S. has achieved the regime change it was seeking.

On the Iranian side, there is no evidence of such. Some believe the Iranian position has actually been strengthened as a result of Trump’s war.

The Strait of Hormuz now appears to be within their military and financial control, and that is a definite gain.

Trump has to craft a winning storyline to support his exit. The damage inflicted by the war is simply too harmful to Republicans. The November reckoning awaits.

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.

Most Canadians believe that Trump cannot be trusted on the trade file. That same fear will heat up as the war escalates. No one seems to know what the end game is. If regime change involves simply swapping out the murderous Ayatollah for his son, Canadian appetite for this war effort will quickly fade.

By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on March 9, 2026.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing his greatest challenge yet.

He must thread the needle of support for an American-Israeli attack on Iran that ignored international law.

While Spain has made it very clear that it will have nothing to do with the attacks on Iran, Canada was one of the first countries to come out in support of the unilateral American-Israeli action.

Canada’s outright support was not shared by some allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said France “cannot approve” of the strikes because they were carried out “outside the world order.”

Macron also added that the death of Ayatollah Ali Khomeini would not be mourned because “history never weeps for the executioners of their own people.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his Parliament that the United Kingdom “does not believe in regime change from the sky.” He also added that “President Trump does not agree with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes.”

For his part, American President Donald Trump responded to Starmer saying the prime minister “is no Winston Churchill.”

His response to Spain’s refusal to allow Americans to use the country’s military bases was swift. After Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero said Spaniards “will not be vassals” to another country, Trump threatened to impose complete sanctions on all trade.

Spain appears to be the only European country refusing to let Americans use its military bases. Britain initially refused, but reversed itself when Iranian attacks spread to areas that Starmer said involved British self-defence.

Britain, Germany, and France issued a joint statement claiming that the Iranian attacks all over the Middle East were a disproportionate response, and, therefore, they would work with the United States and other allies in their own defence in the relevant areas.

So the Europeans have now aligned their perspective with that of Canada, but in the meantime, it appears as though the American people are divided on the nature and conclusion of the attacks on Iran.

Congress is upset that the military actions were undertaken without any congressional input, and some polls show the majority of Americans do not support the attacks.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll, it was reported last week that only one in four Americans approve of the action. Some 27 per cent said they favoured the attacks, while 43 per cent were opposed. A further 29 per cent were unsure, even though 90 per cent of the respondents had learned of the attacks.

Approval ratings seem to be politically aligned, with 78 per cent of Democrats opposing the attacks, and 11 per cent approving while 76 per cent of Republicans approve with 10 per cent disapproving.

In Canada, Carney’s initial statement of support for Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to cause some consternation amongst colleagues whose own comments on the subject appeared more nuanced.

But his later clarification appeared to line him up well with other international players.

Carney told an Australian audience that the government’s approval of the attacks was not a blank cheque. He also said it reinforced his view that a new world order means traditional multilateral decision-making is not necessarily an option in this political climate.

Repeating some of the messaging delivered in Davos, Switzerland, Carney once again repeated that “we are actively taking on the world as it is, not passively waiting for the world we wish it to be. But we also take this position with some regret because the current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order.”

Speaking at the Lowy Institute, Carney also stated that “geostrategically, hegemons are increasingly acting without constraint or respect for international norms while others bear the consequences.”

Carney first refused to weigh in the legality of the American-Israeli intervention, claiming that was a judgment for others to make. He subsequently clarified his comments, saying the attack appears to be a prima facie case of breaking international law.

While threading that needle, Carney managed to avoid the ire of Trump, who had harsh words and actions for all countries who did not support the attacks.

Most Canadians believe that Trump cannot be trusted on the trade file, as he changes his position almost daily. That same fear will heat up as the war escalates and other parts of the Arab Gulf are under siege. No one seems to know what the end game is. If regime change involves simply swapping out the murderous Ayatollah for his son, Canadian appetite for this war effort will quickly fade.

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.

Hamas is a horrific butcher of Jews. But the death of thousands of innocent Palestinians serves to promote these antisemitic militants. Heaven forbid a Member of Parliament should speak his mind.

By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on February 19, 2024.

OTTAWA—If you want to know why politicians are loathe to speak out, just ask Rob Oliphant.

The CBC reported last week that the parliamentary secretary to the foreign minister was having a private telephone conversation with a constituent when he “ripped into” his own government’s position on the war in Gaza.

In a telephone call recorded without his consent or knowledge, Oliphant was particularly critical of the government’s decision to defund the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees after it was alleged that 12 of its employees participated in the massacre of Jewish civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, that prompted the current conflict.

Oliphant also ruminated openly about quitting his job, telling the person on the other end of the line: “I’ve come many times thinking, ‘Do I quit that job? Do I just go on being an MP?’ “

The constituent declined to be identified publicly for fear of job repercussions, and Oliphant explained his comments, saying he was dealing with a constituent in crisis, and hoped the comments would remain private.

No one would expect a private conversation to go viral but, unfortunately, in this day and age, there is no such thing as privacy.

That is why politicians are so loathe to air their own feelings in public, whether on the phone, in an email, or in ordinary conversation.

Of course, there is no unanimity in the Liberal caucus over all the actions that have been taken following the Oct. 7 massacre.

The constituent who released the telephone recording said they were pushing for a ceasefire, but I am not sure how the Oliphant exposure promotes their position.

Instead, it simply underscores the divisions that exist within the government on this issue.

And that should come as no surprise. Just as Jewish and Palestinian supporters in caucus have been outspoken in their views, so it would be ludicrous to assume that Oliphant is in favour of every aspect of his party’s foreign policy.

Oliphant also said he was willing to defend his statements in public, including his opposition to the defunding of UNRWA.

He told the CBC: “You don’t stop aid to Gaza because of 12 or 13 employees out of 13,000. It drives me crazy. … It is opportunistic, unfair, and it is maligning the operation of a UN organization that is doing, not perfect work… .But it is the best we have for education, medical care, for food, all of those things.”

Oliphant is a United Church minister as well as a Member of Parliament, and he has travelled to refugee camps managed by UNRWA in multiple countries, including Lebanon and Jordan. He told the constituent that even if the aid were cancelled directly, there should have been an immediate indirect method to secure food and medicine for those trapped in Gaza through no fault of their own.

History is proving Oliphant right. The death toll of women and children in Gaza rises daily with no end in sight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it very clear that his goal is to annihilate Hamas and push all Palestinians out of the region.

He has the support of the majority of Israelis traumatized by the murderous, orchestrated attack on civilians Oct. 7.

But the enormity of the Israeli response has drawn criticism from around the world, including from those Israelis hoping their family members who are currently in Hamas’ clutches are returned home alive.

The United States and United Kingdom have both recently spoken about the full recognition of Palestine once the war ends.

NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson is moving a motion that will ask the Canadian government to do the same thing.

Her motion was to be tabled last week, but would likely not come to a House vote anytime soon. However, the pressure will mount on the government to bridge the caucus gap between those on either side of this challenging issue.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly will have to navigate this mess all the while trying to keep Canadians on both sides of the issue on board.

As she is a potential future leadership candidate, her international decisions will also be weighed against domestic political considerations.

With the NDP on one side and the Conservatives on the other, it is not surprising that the centrist Liberals have divided views on the war.

Hamas is a horrific butcher of Jews. But the death of thousands of Palestinian innocents serves to promote these antisemitic militants.

Heaven forbid a Member of Parliament should speak his mind.

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.

By Sheila Copps
First published in The Hill Times on October 13, 2023.

OTTAWA—In politics, timing is everything. Members of the New Democratic Party are finding that out as they meet in Hamilton, Ont., this weekend for their first in-person national convention in five years.

One hot-button resolution presented for consideration was a motion by the “Socialist Caucus” calling on the party to “strengthen its defence of Palestinian human rights by actively campaigning for boycott, divestment and sanctions against the Israeli State until Israel ends its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.”

According to party officials, that resolution did not make the cut allocated to those deemed a priority in a party ranking system. However, given the nature of unfolding events in Gaza and Israel, it is expected that someone will table an emergency resolution crafted for convention support.

The convention happens to be in the riding of newly-elected Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama who was already in hot water before her election to the provincial legislature because of anti-Jewish comments.

In a 2021 video, Jama spouted conspiracy theories about the local police, claiming they were protecting Naziism and Jews. She accused successive Israeli leaders of funding the killing of people locally and globally.

On the eve of the March 16, 2023, byelection to replace outgoing NDP leader Andrea Horwath as MPP in Queen’s Park, Jama’s video was widely circulated, prompting new leader Marit Stiles to distance her party from the comments.

“We’ve all ended up at rallies and stuff, where maybe she didn’t use the right choice of words.”

Last week, Stiles was again apologizing for Jama, but resisting calls for the Hamilton Centre MPP’s expulsion from caucus. Jama also apologized for a tweet she sent out immediately following the horrific Hamas attack on innocent Jewish civilians in their homes or attending a music festival.

In the tweet, Jama called for “an end to all occupation of Palestinian land,” claiming the attacks were prompted by “violence and retaliation rooted in settler colonialism that has taken the lives of far too many innocent people.”

She failed to mention the more than 1,000 Jews killed in the attacks, and the taking of more than 150 hostages by Hamas.

Stiles immediately distanced herself from Jama’s viewpoint, saying it didn’t align with party policy. It did, however, align with multiple statements Jama made before she ran for political office.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and interim Liberal Leader John Fraser have both called for Jama’s ejection from the NDP provincial caucus, a demand that Stiles has rebuffed. She said Jama’s statement stemmed from a “personal impact … as someone with Palestinian family members.”

Stiles may withstand calls for Jama’s ouster, but with the national convention taking place in Jama’s Hamilton riding this weekend, the controversy shines a bright light into crevices of the party that remain divided.

Middle Eastern politics always plays a global role. New Democrats are not the first Canadian politicians splintering on the issue.

The beginning of the end of Annamie Paul as the short-lived leader of the federal Green Party was largely predicated on internal struggles over Israeli-Palestinian politics.

She lost a caucus member to the Liberals because of internal party differences on the Middle East.

The NDP has long been seen on one side of the issue, with multiple resolutions supporting the Palestinians. Under normal circumstances, a resolution to strengthen support for Palestine could be a giant convention yawn, not unexpected but not too newsworthy, either.

But the timing of this convention, on the heels of horrific massacre of hundreds of innocent civilians by a group of terrorists, means whatever happens will make international headlines.

With barbaric images of beheaded children, and brutalized elderly victims, Hamas has managed to forfeit any semblance of a legitimate political movement.

Instead, it has reinforced its reputation as a terrorist organization that has no intention of supporting the existence of the state of Israel.

Multiple observers have focused on the toxic leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Paradoxically, the events of the past week may result in his ouster as the obvious breach of vaunted Israeli security efforts is still unexplained.

How could Hamas carry out such a well-financed and orchestrated attack without anyone in Israeli intelligence getting wind of what was being planned?

It is a security faux pas equivalent to the horrific wakeup call sent to the world on Sept. 11, 2001, with the downing of the twin towers in New York.

No finger-pointing can explain away the utter atrocities that were visited upon innocent civilians while they went about enjoying their normal daily lives.

Supporting Hamas in this disaster would be a huge mistake for Jama and the New Democrats.

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.

By SHEILA COPPS
First published in The Hill Times on May 21, 2018.

OTTAWA—Thank you Donald Trump. A Middle East powder keg erupted last week with a split-screen shot that said it all.

The juxtaposition was so glaring that the Economist cover story had this to say: “In a surreal split-screen moment, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was exulting over the opening of America’s embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a “great day for peace.” The other television split screen shot involved an up-close view of many shots. Israeli military snipers picked off specific targets including personnel from Doctors Without Borders, who had gathered to provide medical support at an expected massive Gaza protest.

Trump’s on-screen triumph included his daughter and son-in-law, accompanied by a motley group of administration officials, Trump fundraisers and Christian zealots, all applauding his decision to move the embassy to west Jerusalem. Missing were most diplomats from other countries, some of whom boycotted, while others were simply not invited.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters had gathered at the frontier to protest the embassy move and mark the 70th anniversary of what they call Nakba, or day of catastrophe, when the creation of the State of Israel displaced more than 700,000 Palestinians.

News reports say that more than 60 people were killed, incuding a baby overcome by tear gas. The New York Times later reported the baby who died had also suffered from a congenital heart disease and The Associated Press quoted an unnamed doctor who believed the cause of her death was a heart ailment, not Israeli tear gas. London, Ont., physician, Dr. Tarek Loubani, was shot in both legs. More than 2,700 Palestinians were injured, including 1,359 hit by live ammunition.

Israel blamed the deaths on Hamas, suggesting it was only defending its borders from terrorist attacks. The White House backed that viewpoint. Principal deputy press secretary Raj Shah called the demonstrations “a propaganda attempt” orchestrated by Hamas.” “I think the Israeli government has spent weeks trying to handle this without violence, and we find it very unfortunate.”

Most of the world community used much stronger language, condemning the unwarranted use of excessive violence by the Israeli military. United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May, usually a staunch defender of Israel, has called for an independent inquiry into the use of live ammunition against civilians.

Meanwhile, Canada’s prime minister added his voice to those calling for a probe, characterizing the use of “excessive violence” as “inexcusable.”

Even the Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson admitted the images were a public relations “knockout” for the Palestinians. “It was a graphic image,” Lt.-Col. Jonathan Conricus, a senior officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, was reported to have said Wednesday. “The amount of people hit did us an immense wrong. It was a difficult story to tell.”

The longest-running Israeli newspaper, left-leaning Haaretz, published an opinion piece that pulled no punches. Anyone who isn’t ashamed of what should already be called the “Trump Massacre” should be. Let anyone who is not ashamed be ashamed at the wanton firing at unarmed demonstrators while the VIPs, the leaders, the lords and masters and the rabbis attend a vacuous and tasteless celebration.”

The celebration guest list highlighted a bizarre mix of movers and shakers in the Trump coalition. Invitees included an evangelical Christian pastor who once claimed Jews “can’t be saved.”

Fox News reported in advance of the ceremony that Rev. Robert Jeffress’s prayer would include “thanking God for our President Donald Trump, who had the courage to do what no other U.S. president has done, and that is to officially recognize Jerusalem and to move the embassy.”

In the past, Jeffress has labelled Mormonism and Islam “a heresy from the pit of Hell” and claimed that Islam “promotes pedophilia.” Mitt Romney, a Mormon and Republican 2012 presidential candidate, criticized the inclusion of Jeffress in the ceremony. “Such a religious bigot should not be giving the prayer that opens the United States Embassy in Jerusalem,” he tweeted.

Guest Rev. John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel, has characterized Adolf Hitler as a “hunter” sent to help Jews return to Israel. Hagee and Jeffress believe last week’s return to Jerusalem sets the stage for the Apocalypse.

The bizarre juxtaposition of death and celebration was no accident. Israeli Minister of Public Security, Strategic Affairs and Information Gilad Erdan defended the deaths, telling Ynet News: “We need to go back to targeted killings, and they need to go back to hiding underground and fearing for their lives, not organizing the masses to carry out terror attacks.”

Erdan added, “It’s time for the heads of Hamas to pay a personal price for organizing these terror attacks.”

That may have been his intention. At this juncture it appears that innocent civilians and first responders were the ones who paid the price.

The Hill Times Editor’s note: This column had originally reported the U.S. embassy moved to East Jerusalem, but it was moved to west Jerusalem. As well, The New York Times reported the baby who died had also suffered from a congenital heart disease.

Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.

By SHEILA COPPS

First published in The Hill Times on Monday, February 20, 2017.

OTTAWA—It was Canada’s hour in the European Parliament last week.

Even those parties who voted against the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement were compelled to proclaim their affection for our country with hand-held signs that said, “Yes to Canada. No to CETA.”

In the end, the vote was not even close, even though parties on the left and the right were opposed.

Some 58 per cent of European parliamentarians endorsed the deal, which sets the stage for speedy implementation.

In one sense, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau has U.S. President Donald Trump to thank for the solid show of support.

Since the new American president’s inauguration a month ago, the United States administration has been systemically threatening to close borders, round up refugees and cancel international commercial agreements.

Even though American courts have slowed down some of the initiatives, the obvious message of closed America borders has not been lost on the rest of the world.

Contrary to the core group of Trump supporters, most other jurisdictions feel alienated and confused by the administration’s early direction.

European support for the free trade deal with Canada actually grew because the agreement became synonymous with an anti-Trump approach. One European parliamentarian, Artis Pabriks from the European People’s Party made an oblique reference to the plan to wall off Mexico. “Together we can build bridges, instead of a wall, for the prosperity of our citizens. CETA will be a lighthouse for future trade deals all over the world.”

While Trump vows to close borders and keep foreigners out, the Canadian prime minister is welcoming refugees and signing trade deals with Europe and beyond.

Perhaps the ongoing chaos in Washington could actually work in Canada’s favour.

Justin Trudeau’s meeting with the president appeared to establish a good working relationship, while underscoring different perspectives on the Syrian refugee crisis. Trudeau was able to make his point, without making an enemy, and by all accounts last week’s White House visit was a success.

It should have been the launch of what could have been a very good week for Trump.

In less than seven days, he welcomed three world leaders and reinforced his close personal friendship with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Trump addressed with the familiar nickname, Bibi.

Instead, the president was dodging questions about the alleged ongoing relationship between several members of his campaign team and senior officials in the Russian government.

By mid-week, one cabinet member had been fired, and another nominee, facing a rough confirmation ride, decided to voluntarily withdraw himself from contention as the secretary of labor.

Trump’s press secretary repeatedly made it clear that the boss had lost confidence in National Security adviser Michael Flynn after Flynn misled vice-president Mike Pence as to the nature of his pre-inauguration discussions with the Russian ambassador.

After cutting Flynn loose, Trump then blamed the whole mess on the media and leaks from the intelligence community. “I think he’s been treated very, very unfairly by the media—as I call it, the fake media, in many cases,” Trump proclaimed, the day after he dumped his friend.

It is normal for a new administration in any country to experience a few hiccups in the early days.

But the almost daily circus in Washington is beyond anything most reporters and political watchers have ever observed.

That is tough for Trump. But it also means that neighbouring countries like Canada could benefit from the renewed world interest in our similarities and differences.

An open border policy makes Canada a welcoming place for refugees. It also means international businesses can consider investing and locating in Canada, while keeping close to the American market.

We are within driving distance of the 325 million consumers who are fuelling America’s prosperity and we still benefit from relatively open borders with the Untied States.

Our links of geography and history make us fast friends and good neighbours. At a time when the United States seems likely to build more walls, Canada could position itself as the ideal way-station into North America.

Last week’s CETA deal certainly sounded an optimistic note for more trade between Canada and roughly 500 million Europeans.

It also tempered negative fallout from the decision by the United Kingdom to exit the European Union.

The agreement sent a resounding message that not all countries around the world are closing their borders.

And while the Israeli prime minister was in Washington praising up Trump on the art of the deal, Trudeau was actually getting a bigger deal done.

 
Sheila Copps is a former Jean Chrétien-era Cabinet minister and a former deputy prime minister. Follow her on Twitter at @Sheila_Copps.