According to the Leaders Asia sources, President-elect Donald Trump had dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting came shortly after Trump announced plans to impose high tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, including a 25% tariff on all products sent to the U.S.
Trudeau called the dinner “an excellent conversation” but did not take further questions about whether they discussed tariffs or his relationship with Trump. On Saturday, Trump described their meeting as “very productive,” mentioning topics like fentanyl crossing the border and the U.S.’s “massive trade deficit with Canada.”
Trump shared on Truth Social, “We discussed many important topics that will require both countries to work together, like the fentanyl and drug crisis, fair trade deals that don’t harm American workers, and the massive trade deficit with Canada.”
As per the Leaders Asia sources, earlier on Friday, Trudeau said he looked forward to many productive conversations with Trump and hoped they would address concerns together. He added that Trump was serious about carrying out his statements and warned that the proposed tariffs could harm both Canadians and Americans by raising prices and hurting American businesses.
Several of Trump’s Cabinet picks attended the dinner, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who Trump wants as Interior Secretary, and Florida Representative Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for National Security Adviser. Trudeau’s staff, including his Chief of Staff Katie Telford, were also present.
Trump’s proposed tariffs could disrupt American industries that depend on goods from Canada and Mexico. While some imports from these countries are exempt from tariffs due to the USMCA agreement, it’s unclear how Trump plans to implement the new tariffs without violating that deal.
Earlier this week, Trump spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum about the tariffs, but there were conflicting reports about the conversation. Trump claimed Sheinbaum agreed to close the border, but Sheinbaum denied this and hinted at potential counter-tariffs if Trump follows through.
Trump’s tariff plan has faced criticism, including from President Joe Biden, who called it “counterproductive” and warned it could strain U.S. relations with Canada and Mexico.
