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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate Friday night amid heightened tensions over Trump’s proposal to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The dinner meeting, arranged by Canadian officials, aimed to ease trade concerns ahead of Trump’s looming executive order.
According to CBC News, Trudeau landed at Palm Beach International Airport late Friday afternoon. Upon returning to his hotel, a smiling Trudeau declined to comment on the meeting, calling it an “excellent conversation” but offering no specifics on whether the proposed tariffs were discussed.
Trump’s recent announcement to impose tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico has sparked concerns among economists and leaders. “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this invasion of our country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier in the week.
High-Stakes Dinner and U.S. Concerns
Joining the dinner were prominent figures including Trump’s commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary pick Doug Burgum, and national security adviser nominee Mike Waltz, along with Canadian officials like Trudeau’s chief of staff Katie Telford.
While Trudeau remained tight-lipped, he warned earlier on Friday that such tariffs could harm both nations’ economies. “If Trump follows through, it would raise prices for Americans and hurt U.S. businesses,” Trudeau said during a press conference in Prince Edward Island. He pointed out that tariffs could drive up costs on everyday items like potatoes from Canada’s agricultural hubs.
Border Security and Fentanyl Trade Issues
Trump’s tariff threats are tied to his concerns over drug trafficking and unauthorized migration. However, U.S. Border Patrol data shows a stark contrast between the northern and southern borders. In the last fiscal year, U.S. customs agents seized only 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border compared to over 21,000 pounds at the Mexican border.
Canadian officials have expressed frustration over being grouped with Mexico on these issues. Despite this, Trudeau emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We’re ready to invest in border security and continue constructive conversations,” he said.
North American Trade Pact at Stake
The tariffs also threaten the recently renegotiated North American trade pact, known as USMCA, which both leaders previously hailed as a “win-win.” Trudeau reminded reporters that Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states and a critical supplier of steel, aluminum, and minerals essential to U.S. national security.
Trump’s previous tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018 prompted Canada to retaliate with billions in duties. The risk of a similar trade war looms large.
Despite past tensions, Trudeau expressed optimism. “Through real, constructive conversations, we will keep moving forward,” he said. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that a tariff war would be averted.
As the first G7 leader to meet Trump since the election, Trudeau’s visit underscores the high stakes in preserving U.S.-Canada trade relations amid shifting policies.
