In the northwest corner of the state of Washington is an eccentric American exclave, thus depending on the goodwill of Canada, that the pressure of the price war of President Donald Trump is essential – in the only grocery store, in one of the three restaurants, and for the many residents who have never voted for him.
Residents and visitors to Roberts, Washington, are increasingly worried about the way this unusual border city that has embodiedThe interdependence of the two countriesCan survive the hostility of brewing on both sides.
“It was really devastating,” said Tamra Hansen, a longtime resident of Roberts and business owner whose eyes have molded tears when she described her two restaurants at the edge. “If we do not get the support of Canadians, this city will die.”
Known as a geographical oddity since the border with Canada was drawn in 1846, this community detached from 5 square miles – called exclave because it is completely separated from continental America – is surrounded by water on three sides. Its only land connection is in Canada and a border crossing is needed and about 25 miles north by car to go to downtown Vancouver, British Columbia; Or two border crossings and about 25 miles across Canada to reintegrate the United States along Boundary Bay.
The beaches, the marina, the golf course and the hiking trails have long since made Roberts a detected destination, but today, the inhabitants say that business has never been worse. Canadian visitors are away and some American residents say they have even been harassed about their nationality.
Point Roberts’s firefighters, Christopher Carleton, said that Point Roberts was one of the last intact natural jewels in the United States, but the united community without fire is now threatened by politicians who do not know anything about their way of life.
“We must take care of each other and have grace for each other and not allow people who do not even know that we exist to disturb the relations we have currently,” said Carleton, whose firefighters live mainly on the other side of the border.
Tensions between the United States and Canadaincreased to a level not seen before in modern times thanks toOf more Trump, out of everythingThreat in the past two months to place taxes on a long list of goods crossing the border. In response, Canada has promisedreprisals.
For a country that has been proud to be nice, polite and faithful allies, Canadians do not hide their disgust for Trump’s polarizing rhetoric, in particular in the tribute to the assertion of the American president that Canada could be “51st state. “”
Mark Nykolaichuk said he refused to go to the continent in the United States, but describes Point Roberts as a unique exception because the border here has never felt a real fracture for Canadians like the one who grew up visiting.
Most of the owners are here from Canada, and many of the 1,000 residents all year round have dual citizenship. Once a booming fisherman’s city, the main industry, according to data from the American census, is retail – mainly caused tourism due to the number of vacation properties. The community of the county of WhatCom not formed in a company is now mainly at home for retirees, although this year there are seven students – nicknamed “The Bordeurites” – in the only public school.
Nykolaichuk, who lives in the Vancouver, British Columbia region, said that he hoped that he could help keep the Roberts international market open by shopping there, since management reports are down 20% to 30%. It depends on the only Roberts point grocery store to be able to cook in your holiday home because American customs do not allow raw meat to enter its borders, for example, it must therefore buy it in town.
“No one wants to see this closed place,” said Nykolaichuk. “If this place goes, where are American citizens going?” Where will they get their food? “
Many Roberts do not blame Canadians for their disdain in the face of Trump’s perceived threat of perceived sovereignty. Instead, there is a deep sadness for both sides.
“We have always agreed and it’s just absurd because now the United States will also suffer,” said Hansen, who is a double citizen. “I feel definitively for the Canadian people at this time because they really have their backs against the wall, and they have to fight back.”
Like many residents, Larry Musselwhite, owner of Larry’s Liquor Locker, is angry with Trump and blame the President of Point Roberts economic problems. The 75 -year -old said that he couldn’t even think of retiring for the moment because of the economy. His alcohol store fell 40% of sales last month.
“It is because of our elected president, who really does not care about the ordinary man and the difficulties we have to go through,” said Musselwhite. “It greatly affects the way I live my life.”
About 75% of Point Roberts district voted for a presidential candidate other than Trump, which represents a higher percentage than in the county of WhatCom as well as the rate of participation on the scale of the State, according to the election results of 2024.
The inhabitants say that one of the most frustrating things on tit-for-tat is the way in which pricessuddenly started and arrestedCreating an unstable flow of changes to customs. The cervical boost for residents who often cross the border several times a day leaves them uncertain if they will be surprised by a new penalty.
This fear on unexpected price fees made people careful to buy things in Roberts – if they come to town.
Hugh Wilson, a real estate agent who also manages several local Airbnb lists, said the properties have seen more cancellations than reservations in recent times.
“No one is sure of the rules one day here,” said Wilson. “Border agents do their best to stay up to date and they transmit it to us like normal people crossing the border.”
Endless in sight, there is also a fear with high issueselectricitythat it provides to point Roberts, or even completely extinguish public services.
“If it becomes more brutal, they can cut the water like that, or the power,” said Brian Calder, a fourth generation resident who was previously president of the Roberts Chamber of Commerce. “And it just depends how the confrontation is fomented by Trump’s office.”
Calder said that he and other municipal leaders are trying to plead to obtain aid with the Prime Minister of British Columbia and Washington State Governor. He said that the management of the local Whatcom county had almost abandoned this distant community in times of crisis.
Jed Holmes, a spokesperson for the county, said they were communicating with the Washington State Congress Delegation to DC to deal with the rapid deterioration of American-Canadian relations which particularly affected the Roberts point.
“I understand that people want us to do more, but it is really difficult to identify the significant things that a county government can do to change this dynamic internationally,” said Holmes in an email.
For Hansen, she wonders how much more can she afford to lose personally while directing the Saltwater Cafe Breakfast Spot and a restaurant called The Pier. She has 15 employees to pay, but business fell 55% in February compared to last year. There were times when his advertising does not even cost $ 100 a day.
“There are companies that go bankrupt right now to what we are talking about,” said Hansen. “It’s very moving to me because I care about everyone who lives here.”
This story was initially presented on Fortune.com
