Trump Promises Fair Treatment for Canada Amid Trade Talks, USMCA Future Uncertain

Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday assured that Canada would be treated fairly in ongoing trade discussions over U.S. tariffs, while remaining noncommittal on the future of the USMCA trilateral trade deal with Mexico.

Speaking in the Oval Office ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said, “I think they’re going to walk away very happy. We’re going to treat people fairly. We’re going to especially treat Canada fairly.”

Following the talks, Canadian Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc described the discussion as “positive, substantive, and successful”, though he cautioned that any final agreement was still far from complete. “We have momentum we did not have this morning … but we have not yet finished our work,” LeBlanc said, noting that officials could reconvene as soon as Tuesday evening.

The meeting focused on U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, which have been a source of mounting tension. Carney, making his second White House visit in five months at Trump’s request, faces increasing pressure to safeguard Canadian economic interests. LeBlanc noted that the talks indicated a shared interest in structuring solutions that balance economic and security concerns, starting with the steel and aluminum sectors.

Trump, who has frequently complained about being “screwed” by trading partners, emphasized that some Canadian exports would continue to be targeted. When asked about renegotiating the USMCA or pursuing separate bilateral deals, he said: “We can renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we could just do different deals. I don’t care. I want to make whatever the best deal is for this country, and also very much with Canada in mind.”

Since taking office in March, Carney has emphasized a cooperative approach with Trump, contrasting with the strained relationship the U.S. President had with his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Trump echoed this sentiment, noting, “From the beginning, I liked him, and we’ve had a good relationship … we have natural conflict. We also have mutual love … we have great love for each other.” Carney, in turn, called Trump a “transformative president,” prompting a lighthearted exchange in the Oval Office that drew laughter from reporters.

Trade Pressures on Canada

Canada, which sends 75% of its exports to the United States, remains vulnerable to U.S. trade action. While most Canadian exports benefit from USMCA duty-free access, sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos have been heavily impacted. Small businesses have also felt the effects of tariffs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized Carney’s approach, calling for a tougher stance. “We seem to be weakening our case by continuously pulling off tariffs. If you can’t get a deal, we have to hit back hard and never stop hitting back hard,” he said. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre echoed concerns that Carney might not deliver the promised “win” by July 21.

Tensions have also spilled into other areas of bilateral relations. Earlier this year, Ford threatened to cut electricity exports to New York State and ordered provincial liquor stores to boycott U.S. alcohol, while Canadians are reportedly shunning travel to the United States. Despite these frictions, Trump expressed confidence in future goodwill, saying, “I think the people of Canada, they will love us again. Most of them still do.”

The talks also touched on cooperation beyond trade, with the two leaders agreeing to collaborate on a missile defense initiative dubbed Golden Dome, highlighting that while there are areas of competition, the broader partnership remains mutually beneficial.