Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday (May 6), marking their first in-person meeting since his election victory, which was fueled in part by strong anti-Trump sentiment. The meeting comes as both countries continue to enforce tit-for-tat tariffs, with no resolution yet in sight.
“It’s important to get engaged immediately, which has always been my intention, has always been his intention,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa. “And I’m pleased to have the opportunity for quite a comprehensive set of meetings.”
Focus on trade and sovereignty
The discussions will center on what Carney called “trade pressures and the broader future economic and security relationship.” He warned that while talks would be “difficult, they will be constructive,” and cautioned that no immediate deal on the ongoing trade war should be expected.
Carney, a former central banker, swept to power with promises to stand up to Trump’s “aggression” and to protect Canadian sovereignty. In his victory speech, Carney declared, “We are over the shock of American betrayal. But we should never forget the lessons.”
The 51st state remark lingers
Trump struck a more ambiguous tone, saying last week he was “not sure” what Carney wanted to discuss during the meeting. However, he added, “Canada wants to make a deal.” He also referenced Carney’s visit during a Cabinet meeting earlier in the week, saying the prime minister would be in Washington “within the next week or less.”
Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st US state continue to provoke backlash. Carney has pushed back firmly, stating, “The old economic and security relationship with the US is over.” The prime minister confirmed Trump did not bring up the statehood suggestion in their most recent phone call.
Tariffs and fentanyl dispute
The trade war began in February when Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on Canadian steel, automobiles, and other goods, citing Canada’s alleged role in the fentanyl crisis.
Canada responded with C$60 billion (US$43.5 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of American products, including autos.
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