Sunday shows preview: Canada faces off in trade ‘war’ with U.S. amid national debt woes; Republicans gear up for upcoming primaries

Negotiations between the United States and Canada fell through this weekend, causing the Trump administration to impose a 50 percent tariff on its northern neighbor. But Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney swiftly responded with his own retaliatory tariff on the U.S.

The prime minister said during a Saturday press conference that Canada will “match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar in order to protect Canadian workers, farmers, families and businesses,” effective Sept. 8.

The U.S.-Canada tax “war” is the latest challenge to the Trump administration’s efforts to meet its foreign policy globes. Last week, the U.S. and Iran also continued to battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, as both sides claimed “victory” over the territory last week and deal conversations stalled.

President Trump announced Wednesday that his administration would unleash the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran, calling it an “Economic D-Day.” Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded on Thursday, saying a financial attack on Tehran would only result in “further defeat” for the U.S.

Iran and Oman have joint jurisdiction over this critical waterway, but Trump last week repeatedly labeled the region an “American territory.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to unveil details surrounding new economic sanctions against Iran on Monday. 

Bessent is also tasked with handling the growing national debt, which surpassed $4 trillion on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Bessent said during a CNBC appearance that the U.S. can “grow” its way out of the national debt, as “there’s nothing magic about the $40 trillion number.” He added that the debt is temporarily elevated due to Supreme Court-ordered tariff refunds.

On Newsmax last week, Vice President J.D. Vance clarified that the Treasury secretary has a “very discreet plan” to address the tariffs, though he did not elaborate on what it entailed. Vance and other several other White House members have blamed the Biden administration for the growing debt.

While White House officials defended the Trump administration’s handling of the Treasury, the president himself also participated in Republicans’ midterm campaign efforts. Trump traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C, Friday rallying support for Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) ahead of Tuesday’s GOP Senate runoff in the state.

Graham, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), died last month, made headlines Tuesday when she responded to a question about national security. She responded that she was “not that informed” on the topic, sparking concerns about her qualifications.

The Republican primary runoff election, set for Aug. 25, marks a major test for the power of a Trump endorsement — as Graham runs to keep it for another six years against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.). Trump won the state by nearly 18 points in 2024.

The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a ruling that was set to halt construction on the White House ballroom later Friday. Chief Justice John Roberts ruled that work can briefly continue as the Supreme Court mulls the Trump administration’s emergency plea to intervene.

Trump also boasted about the progress on the White House ballroom project Saturday, saying in a post on Truth Social, “Tremendous work has been done on the magnificent BALLROOM/MILITARY COMPLEX being built on the grounds of the White House!”

Both this project, and the president’s efforts to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in D.C., have faced mounting scrutiny and a slew of legal challenges. The center’s board agreed on Tuesday to hold off on placing Trump’s name onto the building.

Also in the capital, some of the streets are currently shut down for an IndyCar Series race, the first of its kind in the city. Drivers are set to pass key D.C. landmarks — including the White House, National Gallery of Art and National Archives — during the two-day competition.

Trump and the first lady are also expected to take a ceremonial lap around the IndyCar track at some point this weekend.

See the full list of guests on the Sunday morning news shows below:

Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures”: Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) and Brent Sadler.

Fox News’s “Fox News Sunday”: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.).

NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday”: Panel: Julie Mason and Ian Swanson. 

ABC News’s “This Week”: Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas).

CBS New’s “Face the Nation”: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.)

CNN’s “State of the Union”: Education Secretary Linda McMahon, former Vice President Mike Pence and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). 

NBC News’s “Meet the Press”: Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

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