Amid ongoing trade tensions and speculation about an upcoming federal election, U.S. President Donald Trump has again commented on Canadian politics, stating that he would “rather deal with a Liberal than a Conservative.”
In an interview, Trump was asked about the Liberal party’s momentum under new Prime Minister Mark Carney. He replied, “I think it’s easier to deal actually with a Liberal, and maybe they’re going to win, but I don’t really care. It doesn’t matter to me at all.”
Trump also took aim at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who, like other Canadian leaders, has publicly opposed Trump’s tariffs and threats of annexation. “The Conservative that’s running is stupidly no friend of mine. I don’t know him, but he said negative things,” Trump remarked. “So when he says negative things, I couldn’t care less.”
In response, Poilievre criticized Carney, saying he “is weak and would cave to Trump’s demands.” Poilievre added, “Canadians don’t want a weak and conflicted leader. They want a strong Prime Minister who will put Canada First.”
Trump had previously criticized Poilievre in another interview, calling him “not a MAGA guy.” During the latest interview, Trump reiterated his desire for Canada to become the 51st state, and again made the false claim that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by US$200 billion annually. Statistics Canada, however, reported that Canada had a trade surplus of $94.4 billion with the U.S. in 2023.
Carney, on his first trip as prime minister, addressed reporters in Iqaluit, Nvt., where he was asked about a future conversation with Trump. He said, “There’s a wide range of issues to be discussed when we do connect. With respect to trade, I look forward to having a comprehensive discussion as two sovereign nations.”
Carney was also asked if he agreed with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assessment that Trump’s tariff threats aimed to annex Canada and cause its economic collapse. Carney took a more measured stance, acknowledging that Trump “wants several things.” These included ending the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., creating high-paying jobs in America, encouraging investment, and bringing back American industries. Carney stated, “I think he will respect that as prime minister of Canada, I want to end the fentanyl crisis in Canada. I want to grow good, high-paying jobs in Canada. And of course, I want to protect, with my colleagues, the sovereignty of all of Canada.”
Carney also noted that Trump’s tariffs have raised questions about the validity of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) signed in 2018, suggesting the need for broader discussions on the commercial and security relationships between the two countries.
This month, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, along with 25% levies on all Canadian imports and a lower 10% tariff on energy, with more tariffs expected to take effect next month. Canada has retaliated with its own 25% tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods.
According to a recent survey, Trump and U.S. relations are the top national concerns, with 26.8% of respondents listing them as the most important issue. The survey also shows the Conservatives leading with 35% of federal voting intentions, just ahead of the Liberals at 34%. Earlier in the year, many polls had shown the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by more than 20 points before Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s inauguration.
