Trump's threat to decertify Bombardier jets raises legal questions

President Trump posted a social media message saying he would “decertify” Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% tariff unless Transport Canada approves certain Gulfstream models; experts and officials say aircraft certification is normally handled by regulators such as the FAA and Transport Canada and have expressed doubt the president can unilaterally decertify planes.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that he would “decertify” Bombardier aircraft and impose a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian-made planes unless Canada certifies several Gulfstream business jet models. The White House later said the measures would apply only to new planes. Aviation experts and Canadian officials have questioned whether the president can direct aircraft certification decisions that are normally made by independent regulators. Key facts: - The president's post said Bombardier Global Express models and all aircraft made in Canada would be decertified until Gulfstream models are fully certified, and threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian-made planes. - White House officials clarified the action would apply only to new aircraft, not planes already in service in the U.S. - Aircraft certification and any decertification actions are typically handled by regulators such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada; experts said the FAA rarely suspends type certificates and does so only for serious safety reasons. - Transport Canada has not yet certified Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 models; the FAA granted conditional approval and required Gulfstream to meet fuel-system de-icing conditions by the end of this year. - Bombardier said it was in contact with the Canadian government and noted thousands of Canadian-built civilian and private jets already fly in the U.S.; markets reacted with Bombardier shares falling on the news. Summary: The announcement has prompted regulatory and industry scrutiny rather than an immediate technical or legal change. Canadian and U.S. transport officials, Bombardier and Gulfstream’s parent company have been reported as communicating about the situation, and regulators continue to oversee certification processes. Undetermined at this time.