Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit the White House within the next week, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters about the strained Canada-U.S. relationship, Trump referred to Carney as “a very nice gentleman” and noted the two had spoken recently. Trump claimed Carney told him, “Let’s make a deal,” highlighting renewed hopes for progress amid months of escalating trade disputes between the two nations.
Trade relations between Canada and the U.S. have been on shaky ground for some time, with tariffs affecting everything from grocery items to automobiles. Trump has previously stirred controversy by calling Canada a potential U.S. state and referring to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor.” The fraught relationship played a central role in Canada’s recent federal election, where all major parties discussed how best to deal with Trump’s policies. Carney, throughout his campaign, emphasized the need to diversify Canada’s trade relationships and reduce dependency on the U.S.
Carney’s office later confirmed the phone call with Trump, noting that both leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong ties while respecting each country’s sovereignty. They plan to revisit and possibly revise the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the cornerstone of North American trade.
Trump, speaking candidly, remarked, “I actually think the Conservative hated me much more than the so-called ‘Liberal,’” referencing Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Carney had previously stated that any trade discussions would continue only after the election results, a plan both leaders now seem ready to act on.
However, political strategists caution Carney’s team to tread carefully. Liberal strategist Geoff Turner advised that optics and setting will be crucial when meeting Trump, especially given the president’s unpredictable nature. Turner warned that if mismanaged, the meeting could mirror the awkward public exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful and escalating tensions unnecessarily. “No Mar-a-Lago. No fireside chat,” Turner advised bluntly.
Meanwhile, the trade war continues to cause disruption on both sides of the border. The U.S. currently imposes 25% tariffs on Canadian imports and an additional 10% on energy and potash outside CUSMA’s scope. Canadian steel, aluminum, and non-compliant vehicles face particularly steep levies. In retaliation, Canada implemented its own tariffs, targeting $60 billion worth of U.S. products, from cars to cosmetics and food items.
These tariffs have had ripple effects across industries. Stock markets have been volatile, savings have taken hits, and major automakers have enacted temporary layoffs and paused production. Many companies have withheld earnings forecasts due to the economic uncertainty.
During his victory speech, Carney addressed the shifting landscape: “Our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over,” he declared. “These are tragedies, but it’s also our new reality.” His upcoming visit to the White House marks a pivotal moment in redefining Canada’s economic future.
