Dear Ukraine and Canada, 

It may mean little, but I’d like to apologize on behalf of Americans who respect your countries, people, and love of freedom. You are our friends, and despite this crazy president of ours, we love and support you.  

I believe I speak for most Americans when I say that we support your independence and do not want to see Putin succeed or engage in a trade war with Canada. What our president is doing is outrageous, and many of us are genuinely alarmed by the administration’s actions and the extreme ideas that underlie them. 

Even those who voted for Trump—most of them, at least—didn’t do so to ignite a trade war with Canada or to yield the conflict in Ukraine to Putin. I believe most voted based on economic interests, hoping to see grocery and gas prices drop. Trump promised he would make that happen, but he has since retracted or distanced his administration from those commitments. I’m not excusing the people who voted for Trump; they are accountable for their choice, even if they were misled. I’m just clarifying that I don’t think most of those voters aimed to attack or abandon our allies. 

We would be furious if anyone threatened our economic or territorial security, and we understand if you feel the same way. If that involves protesting in your city’s streets or criticizing the Trump Administration, that is understandable. If it includes forging new alliances with like-minded countries, I fully support you. If it means booing the US national anthem at a hockey game, we deserve that. If it entails “buying Canadian,” then so be it. Use whatever power you have to protest what Trump is doing.  

Being attacked by Trump is a badge of honor. When he lies about your leaders or the facts of what is happening, it signifies that you are on the right side of history. Standing in solidarity with your friends and allies is virtuous, and the fight for freedom—and against fascism—is always just. 

The term “fascism” is often used carelessly, and many people struggle to define it. I believe there’s a straightforward test: simply ask someone how they feel about anti-fascists (also known as antifa). If they see anti-fascists as their enemy, I know I’m taking a risk here, but they might be fascists. And how could I overlook the Nazi salute? That’s also a clear indicator, Elon.  

My hope is that once separate individuals, organizations, and countries unite against this fascist tide. I hope that in 2026, we can shift control of the House and Senate to begin doing what they were meant to do: pass laws in the public interest and check the power of the executive branch. I am confident that sooner or later, as the late great Woody Guthrie sang, “Yes sir, all of you fascists bound to lose: You’re bound to lose! You fascists: Bound to lose!”

Sincerely, 

Derek