Tariffs, commerce and sovereignty: 5 key takeaways from Trump and Carney’s high-stakes assembly

Of their first face-to-face assembly, US President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney exchanged pleasantries and pointed disagreements, clashing on commerce tariffs, the way forward for Canada-US relations and the controversial concept of
Canada becoming a member of the US as its 51st state.

The Oval Workplace talks which started on a pleasant word grew tense as Trump refused to raise tariffs and Carney firmly rejected any suggestion of Canadian statehood. Listed here are the important thing takeaways from their assembly:

Trump doubles down on tariffs, Carney stands agency on sovereignty

The assembly between Donald Trump and Mark Carney ended on a tense word because the US president refused to raise tariffs on Canadian imports, insisting the US doesn’t want automobiles or metal from its northern neighbour. Carney, in flip, reiterated Canada’s sovereignty, saying that “Canada shouldn’t be on the market”—a stance that reportedly helped him win his current election. Trump playfully responded, “by no means say by no means,” whereas Carney mouthed “by no means” to reporters.

Trump revives ‘51st state’ concept, Carney pushes again

Regardless of the sunshine tone at occasions, Trump revisited his controversial suggestion that Canada ought to turn out to be the 51st U.S. state. He known as it a possible “fantastic marriage” however acknowledged it might take two sides to agree. Carney firmly rejected the notion each publicly and privately, stating, “It gained’t be on the market ever.” Trump responded that “Canada loves us and we love Canada,” hinting that something may occur “over time.”

Uncertainty looms over USMCA as Trump questions its future

Trump forged doubt on the way forward for the United States-Mexico-Canada Settlement (USMCA), suggesting the commerce pact could not be mandatory. He described it as a “transitional deal” that will quickly be up for renegotiation. Whereas Carney acknowledged that some parts of USMCA may want updating, he emphasised the settlement as a basis for additional dialogue.

Houthis ceasefire prompts Trump to halt airstrikes

Throughout the assembly, Trump made a major overseas coverage announcement unrelated to Canada: the US would instantly halt its bombing marketing campaign towards Houthi rebels in Yemen. He stated the Houthis had signalled they not needed to struggle and had promised to cease focusing on ships. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s remarks, calling it a constructive growth for world transport safety.

A extra conciliatory tone towards Carney

Whereas Trump held agency on commerce points, his tone towards Carney marked a shift from previous interactions with Canadian leaders. He praised the brand new prime minister as “a really gifted particular person” and jokingly claimed some credit score for Carney’s electoral win. In distinction to the contentious relationship he had with former PM Justin Trudeau, Trump’s strategy this time was noticeably extra diplomatic, if nonetheless punctuated by provocative remarks.