President Trump says he had an “extremely productive” call with new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney despite acrimony over White House trade moves and nonstop “51st state” talk that rankles Ottawa.
Mr. Trump, writing on Truth Social, said he spoke to Mr. Carney on Friday.
“It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors, that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada,” Mr. Trump posted.
The upbeat tone contrasted the bitterness between the countries as Mr. Trump threatens Canada with heavy tariffs over what he describes as unfair trade practices and imbalances.
Mr. Trump slapped 25% levies on Canadian goods this month, only to exempt most products under the North American trade agreement he negotiated in his first term.
Still, Mr. Trump made waves by imposing 25% tariffs on imported cars and car parts, which could affect Canadian factories and workers in the interconnected North American auto industry.
Mr. Trump also likes to rib Canada about becoming the 51st state, saying it would no longer have to worry about tariffs and would enjoy increased military protection.
Canadians have responded by decreasing their travel to the U.S. and promoting “Buy Canadian” campaigns in stores.
Mr. Carney recently convened a Cabinet meeting to respond to Mr. Trump’s threats.
“President Trump’s tariffs will hurt, but they will not break us,” he tweeted. “We will get through this crisis together.”
