Louise Penny Boycotts U.S. Over Trump Tariffs

Celebrated Canadian author Louise Penny has declared a boycott of the United States in response to President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Announced this week the move protests the 25 percent duties imposed in February 2025 which Penny calls an attack on her nation’s economy. Her decision amplifies growing tensions between the U.S. and its northern neighbor over trade policies.

Penny known for her bestselling Inspector Gamache series says the tariffs threaten Canadian livelihoods including those in the arts. She has canceled all U.S. book tours and events vowing not to return until the policy is reversed. Her stance has rallied fans and fellow writers who see it as a stand for fairness.

The tariffs part of Trump’s broader trade agenda target Canada Mexico and China raising costs for American consumers. Canadian officials have retaliated with matching duties on U.S. exports worth billions further straining cross-border ties. Penny’s boycott underscores the cultural fallout of this economic clash.

Literary circles are abuzz with support for Penny’s principled stand against what she terms economic bullying. Some U.S. readers have pledged to join her boycott avoiding American editions of her works. This grassroots response highlights the power of cultural figures in shaping public sentiment.

Trump defends the tariffs as a way to protect U.S. jobs and curb illegal immigration but critics argue they harm both nations. Economists note the duties have spiked prices for goods like lumber and food hitting American households hard. Penny’s protest draws attention to these unintended consequences.

Historically U.S.-Canada trade thrived under agreements like the USMCA which Trump once championed. His reversal on free trade with Canada has baffled some allies who see it as a betrayal of past promises. Penny’s boycott serves as a high-profile rebuke of this policy shift.

The author’s absence from the U.S. market could dent her sales here but she remains steadfast in her resolve. Supporters argue her sacrifice shines a light on the human cost of trade wars often overlooked in policy debates. Her voice adds a moral dimension to the economic dispute.

As tensions simmer Penny’s boycott may inspire other Canadian artists to follow suit broadening the cultural divide. Observers wonder if this could pressure U.S. leaders to rethink the tariffs and mend ties. For now her stand marks a bold chapter in the ongoing saga of North American trade.