Governor Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, is orchestrating a famed Canadian Plan B. Yet, very smartly, he treads lightly on his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Since taking office, Carney’s been a staunch ally on the front lines against Trump’s territorial overreach. He has been explicit in stating that Canada is “not open for business” and “won’t be open for business, never.” His comparatively moderate approach is in keeping with his publicized intention to cool tensions that had reached a fever pitch under previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In between those two meetings, during Carney’s recent visit to Washington, he met with Trump, in the Oval Office, in May. He wore a red tie throughout, ever so discreetly paying homage to the old school GOP colors. This clothing decision represented Carney’s desire to make a great impression on his new American counterpart while directly making the case for Canada’s independence. So far during their back and forth, Carney has made it a point to stand firm against Trump’s sweeping territorial ambitions.
During the memorable Oval Office meeting, Carney highlighted the importance of having the right kind of conversation and debate. The mood was decidedly relaxed and there were no schedule-eating coups or dramatic showdowns on trade policy. He has engaged in text exchanges with Trump on various global matters, managing to avoid being the target of any harsh messages. He knows how to walk the tightrope of U.S.-Canada relations. In the process, he ensures that Canadian interests remain well-defended.
Yet for all of his convince-carrier diplomacy, Carney has been unable to land a full-blown trade deal with the United States. This failure to sign an accord has prompted fears over potentially retaliatory tariffs on Canadian products. This untenable situation endangers not only Canada’s economic prosperity, but Carney’s political future. Carney, a former central banker famous for his meeting-room efficiency, has brought much of the same ethos to his political efforts. Yet the end results haven’t gone nearly as well as he might have wished.
The dynamics between the two leaders are explained by, among other things, Trump’s whipsawing praise and criticism of Carney. The President labeled him “a nice man,” but he quickly added, “he can be very nasty.” This declaration underscores just how complex and intertwined their relationships are. In Carney’s case, his ambitious agenda to improve bilateral relations has been constrained by both external economic conditions and internal political dynamics.
Further in his work with Trump, Carney has worked to eliminate superfluous media coverage. During a recent press conference, he asserted his prerogative as host by shortening the event, indicating a preference for more controlled communication surrounding his administration’s dealings with the U.S.
Carney emotionally and personally threads this complex and nuanced line. At least for now he sticks to his characterization of a firm but fruitful working relationship with Trump. His approach reflects an extraordinary appreciation for the subtleties of international diplomacy. He walks that tightrope between the fickle and often perilous political winds with deft, acrobatic precision.
“This place was a raging hellhole.” – Donald Trump
In these diplomatic maneuvers, one can see how Carney’s commitment to building a friendly rapport with Trump permeates the T. In that way, he seems to understand the difficult path forward with Trump’s unpredictable and inflammatory rhetoric, aims to set forth an atmosphere where collaboration is possible. Carney’s approach to U.S.-Canada relations is an excellent example of this careful balancing act. Particularly as both countries face heightened polarization, this strategy underscores the long-term benefits for both countries.
