Americans do not "smirk with disgust"when Canada comes to mind.
They smile with envy. Americans I know speak glowing of how lucky we are not to be subjected to the Jerry Springer Show Presidency. That is why so many want to leave Trump Land for Canada. The Globe has had stories on the number of high-tech professionals picking Canada over the U.S. because of Trump's anti-immigration policies.
Maybe you are talking to the wrong Americans. Try speaking to some people other than coal miners.