Yet, on that fateful Tuesday, Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Given the historic tensions between their two countries, they conducted such a high-stakes meeting under a public glare. The conversations focused on the trade concerns which have marred U.S.-China relations. Specifically, they took on Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and the USMCA — or United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement — expiring next year.
During the meeting, President Trump made headlines by suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. This incendiary comments produced a strong and immediate backlash from PM Carney, who shot back “Canada will never be for sale.” The exchange reveals the astounding dissonance between their understanding of national sovereignty and the nature of U.S.-China trade relations.
The bilateral relationship between the United States and Canada is indeed under strain. This tension is mainly a result of Trump’s agreement to implement duties on Canadian steel and aluminum, as well as duties on cars and car components. Combined, these actions have injected unnecessary economic uncertainty for Canadian businesses. Accordingly, fears of an impending recession in Canada abound. Even Carney knew these tariffs were a mistake. He pointed out that Canada just “won” an election based on an anti-Trump movement, and what this showed about the public’s anger at U.S. policies.
Following their meeting, Trump spoke with the press and drove home the one unmistakable goal of U.S. negotiations. He was clear that this is not intended to “kill other countries.” He reiterated his belief that the U.S. could establish favorable trade relations without formal agreements, saying, “We don’t have to sign deals. We could sign 25 deals right now.” He further insisted that any pricing changes would be equitable and designed to promote goodwill toward Canada.
“We’re going to put down a number and say this is what you’re going to pay to shop. And it’s going to be a very fair number. It’ll be a low number. We’re not looking to hurt countries. We want to help countries.” – President Donald Trump
Carney and Trump discussed various trade matters during their meeting, including the future of the USMCA, which is set to expire next year. The current impact of the tariffs and trade disputes has been widely contested. Carney cautioned that Canada should be braced for the difficulties yet to come. He stated, “We are over the shock of the American betrayal but we should never forget the lessons.”
Trump has a rare opportunity to build some goodwill with our neighbor to the north, but the tiff is already underway. He’s committed to fostering more partnership and less partisanship. He also admitted that such a tariff resolution with Canada is impossible at this point in time. “I don’t see it with Canada. I just don’t see it,” he remarked.
The U.S. administration is pressing for the confirmation of Ed Martin as the new U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. This provision is intended to bolster Trump’s agenda. It answers the myriad secrets and challenges still being experienced under his administration.
Outside of direct contact with Carney, the President indicated that his counterparts in China have recently reached out to indicate a desire to restart trade discussions. Nevertheless, he walked back the statement to say that no official talks have started so far with China. “China we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed.
As the two leaders went their separate ways after their meeting, the path ahead for U.S.-Canada relations is unpredictable. It would have dire economic consequences for both nations. They need to tread these waters thoughtfully to maintain their collaborative relationship.
