Trudeau Meets Trump Amidst Tariff Concerns
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Florida for a dinner meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This meeting followed Trump’s announcements regarding potential tariffs on Canadian imports, raising considerable alarm in Canada.
Trump’s tariff threats extend to both Canada and Mexico, hinging on what he perceives as an ongoing problem with drugs and migrants entering the United States. He has suggested a 25% tariff on all imports from these countries as part of his initial executive actions when he assumes office.
Sources close to the dinner described the conversation as “positive and wide-ranging,” lasting around three hours. The discussion covered a variety of topics, including trade relations, border security, the fentanyl epidemic, defense strategies, the current situation in Ukraine, NATO’s role, Chinese influence, and pipeline issues, as well as preparations for the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Canada next year.
Despite previous critiques from Trump, who had previously called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest,” the bond between the two countries remains one of the strongest in the world. Trudeau’s visit marks him as the first G7 leader to meet with Trump following the election results on November 5.
The dinner was also attended by notable individuals, including Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who has been proposed to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, the national security adviser nominee. Their spouses were included in the gathering as well.
Among the attendees were newly elected U.S. Senator David McCormick from Pennsylvania and his wife, Dina Powell, a former deputy national security adviser under Trump. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, responsible for border security, and Katie Telford, Trudeau’s chief of staff, were also present.
McCormick took to X to share a light-hearted photo of the group around a round table on Mar-a-Lago’s patio, featuring a child playfully posing in the background.
The Trump transition team did not address inquiries regarding the dinner discussions or whether they mitigated Trump’s concerns about border security.
Upon returning to his hotel in West Palm Beach, a cheerful Trudeau chose not to elaborate on the specifics of the dinner.
Earlier, Trudeau had conveyed optimism about resolving tariff disputes through dialogue with Trump. Similarly, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced confidence that a tariff conflict with the U.S. could be averted following her own talks with Trump.
“We’re committed to working together to address these issues,” Trudeau told reporters in Prince Edward Island, Canada. “Ultimately, it’s through constructive discussions with President Trump that we can ensure progress for all Canadians.”
Trudeau pointed out that Trump campaigned on promises to reduce grocery prices, yet he is now contemplating a 25% tax on various items, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island.
“It’s important to understand that when Trump makes such statements, he intends to follow through. There’s no doubt about that,” Trudeau remarked.
He further stated, “It’s our responsibility to emphasize that these actions would not only harm Canadians, who have strong ties with the U.S., but would also lead to higher prices for American consumers and negatively impact U.S. businesses.”
The proposed tariffs could endanger the North American trade agreement that was revised during Trump’s first term. Trudeau highlighted that they successfully negotiated the deal, which he believes benefits both countries.
“We can continue to collaborate as we have in the past,” Trudeau asserted.
Trump’s initial tariff threats coincided with his complaints about illegal immigration, despite the fact that the number of such incidents at the Canadian border is significantly lower than those at the southern border.
In October alone, U.S. Border Patrol reported 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border, compared to just 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border from October 2023 to September 2024.
Additionally, Trump raised concerns about fentanyl trafficking from both Mexico and Canada, although the quantities seized from the Canadian border are minimal compared to those from Mexico. In the last fiscal year, customs agents confiscated 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border, in stark contrast to 21,100 pounds at the southern border.
Canadian officials argue that it’s unfair to categorize Canada alongside Mexico in these discussions but have expressed a willingness to invest in improved border security measures.
Trudeau reached out to Trump following the latter’s social media comments regarding border issues.
During Trump’s initial term, his imposition of higher tariffs led to retaliatory actions from other nations. For instance, Canada responded in 2018 with billions in new tariffs against U.S. products following tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
This week, a senior official revealed to The Associated Press that Canada is already considering potential retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. goods if Trump moves forward with his tariff threats against Canada.
A government spokesperson indicated that Canada is preparing for all possibilities and is evaluating items that could be subjected to retaliatory tariffs, although no final decisions have been made yet. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to disclose such information.
Canada plays a crucial role as a trading partner for 36 U.S. states, with nearly $3.6 billion (CAD) worth of goods and services crossing the border daily.
Approximately 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports come from Canada.
Furthermore, Canada is the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S., holding 34 critical minerals and metals that are essential to U.S. national security interests.
As one of the most trade-dependent nations globally, an impressive 77% of Canada’s exports are directed toward the U.S.
“Canada has valid reasons to be concerned, as Trump tends to act impulsively and is often influenced by the latest narratives on Fox News,” observed Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. “He may prioritize what he thinks will resonate with public sentiment over realistic outcomes.”
