> We only distance ourself from Canada and encourage Canada to do more trade with the EU and China; how does that help America?

I mean Canada doesn't really have the choice to do that. They are too dependent on America to really do much but just accept whatever we say. Maybe they can start reorienting themselves for a future in 10-20 years where they can meaningfully ramp up EU/China trade but for now they just accept whatever the USA says.

It's like when the last election was all "elbows up" then it turned out they had folded instantly and just hid it from their population.

In March Canada exports to the US decreased 6.6%, and their exports to other countries increased 25%. Canada's imports from America decreased 2.9%. Canada now exports more crude oil to China than it does to the US. There is now a strong social will and political will to reduce ties to the US and increase ties with other nations. This may take time, and it may not end the US, but it doesn't help the US by any means.

And why is this happening? "America First" means helping people that live in America; what part of this helps people living in America?