Wakeham's social media post unlikely Trump inspired, says political scientist

Did Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham post a Republican-inspired social media post? A political science professor and political commentator think it's highly unlikely.

Wakeham’s social media post, dated Feb. 4, features a dark blue backdrop with the words "standing up for coastal communities" and below it "promises made, promises kept" followed by his signature.

The following day, provincial NDP Leader Jim Dinn compared it to an April post from the U.S. Republican Party by the House Republicans account on X, formerly Twitter.

That design has a similarly dark blue background with an American flag, similar font text with the same "promises made, promises kept," and followed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s.

In his post, Dinn drew a parallel between the two images.

"Using Trump-style MAGA Republican language and imagery while refusing to outline a clear plan for the future is an affront to the people of this province and to those who elected you," Dinn wrote.

CBC News asked Wakeham for an interview. He was not available.

Instead, in an emailed statement sent on behalf of the premier, communications director Bradley Power dismissed any similarity to the Republican Party.

“The phrase used is a common expression in public life and was not intended to reference any political movement or figure outside this province. Suggestions otherwise are simply incorrect,” the statement reads.

The post comes amid heightened political tensions between Canada and the U.S. following Trump’s second term in the White House. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also distanced himself from being aligned with the MAGA movement.

Acadia University political science professor Alex Marland said the slogan — "promises made, promises kept" — is common and thinks its use is a coincidence.

“What I think is less of a coincidence is sort of the graphic design element of it. It certainly seems like it might have been inspired, you know, by another political party. These things happen in politics,” Marland told CBC News.

Marland said it was likely a young political staffer who made the post, with Wakeham having no direct involvement.

He said he doesn’t believe the situation will influence what people think of the PC Party.