Usually, a newly appointed Canadian leader prioritizes making a phone call to the President of the United States; however, this marked the first conversation between Trump and Carney since the latter’s inauguration on March 14.
US President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that he had a “highly productive” initial conversation with Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite escalating tensions regarding tariffs and Trump’s ambitions concerning Canada.
Trump also mentioned that the two leaders plan to convene shortly after Canada’s general election on April 28, during which Carney, who assumed office two weeks ago, has made opposing the US president a key focus of his campaign.
“I just concluded a discussion with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. It was an extremely productive call, and we found common ground on many issues,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
He indicated that they would be “meeting right after Canada’s upcoming election to address various aspects of Politics, Business, and other factors that will ultimately benefit both the United States and Canada.”
Typically, a newly elected Canadian leader prioritizes a call to the US president, but this marked the first communication between Trump and Carney since the latter’s inauguration on March 14.
Carney’s office reported that the two had a “very constructive conversation” and agreed to initiate “comprehensive negotiations regarding a new economic and security partnership immediately following the election.”
However, it was noted that Carney informed Trump that his administration would implement retaliatory tariffs on American products starting April 2, coinciding with the introduction of extensive US tariffs.
“We will not back down; we will respond decisively,” Carney stated during a press conference later in the day.
“It is evident that the dynamics of the Canada-US relationship have shifted, and we are not the ones who instigated this change,” he added, emphasizing the need for Canada to strengthen its connections with Europe “to forge ties with dependable partners.”
“Over the next weeks, months, and years, we must fundamentally rethink our economy.”
Trump’s optimistic remarks represented a significant shift in tone compared to the recent exchanges between Washington and Ottawa, both of which are NATO allies.
The President of the United States has incited anger in Canada by persistently advocating for its admission as the 51st state and by imposing or threatening tariffs against the nation.
In a recent post on Friday, Trump displayed a more diplomatic tone, referring to Carney as the prime minister and refraining from mentioning his annexation ambitions.
This approach contrasts sharply with his previous treatment of Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whom he often derisively referred to as “governor” in light of his suggestions for Canada to join the United States.
‘Just don’t have the cards’
Canada’s newly appointed prime minister, who is currently engaged in a competitive election to retain his position, was selected by the centrist Liberal Party to succeed Trudeau but has yet to face the electorate.
Just a day prior to their conversation, Carney stated that he would refrain from engaging in meaningful trade discussions with Washington until the president demonstrates “respect” for Canada, particularly by ceasing his ongoing annexation threats.
US Vice President JD Vance adopted a confrontational tone on Friday, reiterating Trump’s previous assertion that Canadians “just don’t have the cards” regarding tariffs.
“There is no way that Canada can win a trade war with the United States,” he remarked during a visit to Greenland.
Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariff on vehicle imports to the United States is set to take effect next week, posing a significant threat to the Canadian auto industry, which supports approximately 500,000 jobs.
The 78-year-old Republican is also planning to implement reciprocal tariffs on all nations that impose levies on US exports, with Canada being a primary target.
Trump has cautioned Canada against collaborating with the European Union to counter the impending reciprocal tariffs on all imports, warning that such actions would result in “large-scale tariffs, far larger than currently planned.”
The president’s threats have influenced Canadian polling, with Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives previously viewed as the frontrunners before Trudeau’s withdrawal from the race.
Following Trump’s threats towards Canada, the polls have significantly tightened, showing increased support for Carney’s Liberals, who currently hold a minority position in parliament.
