Eric Ham: Key Player in CUSMA Talks

Defiant Congress faces off against enraged president

Mar. 1, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Washington political analyst Eric Ham argues that Congress may play a pivotal role in the ongoing CUSMA trade negotiations, as a defiant legislative branch clashes with an enraged president over the future of the trilateral agreement.

Why it matters

The CUSMA trade deal, which governs economic relations between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has become a major political flashpoint in Washington. Ham's analysis suggests the negotiations could hinge on the ability of Congress to assert its authority against a president determined to reshape the agreement.

The details

Ham, a respected commentator on US politics, believes that Congress is poised to take a more assertive role in the CUSMA talks, potentially bucking the president's agenda. This sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between the legislative and executive branches over the future of the trilateral trade pact.

  • The CUSMA trade deal was originally signed in 2018.

The players

Eric Ham

A Washington political analyst who has closely followed the CUSMA negotiations.

Congress

The legislative branch of the US government, which may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the CUSMA trade deal.

The President

The executive branch of the US government, which is seeking to renegotiate the terms of the CUSMA agreement.

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What they’re saying

“Congress may play a pivotal role in the ongoing CUSMA trade negotiations, as a defiant legislative branch clashes with an enraged president over the future of the trilateral agreement.”

— Eric Ham, Washington political analyst (CTV)

What’s next

The CUSMA trade deal is set to be a major focus of debate in Congress in the coming months, as lawmakers seek to assert their influence over the negotiations.

The takeaway

The CUSMA trade talks have become a high-stakes political battle in Washington, with Congress and the president vying for control over the future of the trilateral agreement. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the economic relationships between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.