U.S. President Trump says he expects a “great relationship” with Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite campaign tensions. Key issues ahead include trade, sovereignty, and U.S.-Canada cooperation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just days after a tense election in Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump says he’s looking forward to a “great relationship” with newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney — even though the two have clashed publicly in recent months.
Wednesday, Trump said he had a cordial phone call with Carney after the vote and was optimistic about future cooperation. “He called me yesterday and said, ‘Let’s make a deal,’” Trump told reporters. “He couldn’t have been nicer.”
Canada’s Election: A Turning Point in Bilateral Relations?
Carney’s Liberal Party emerged from Monday’s vote with a minority government, following a campaign that focused heavily on protecting Canada’s economic interests and national sovereignty. Throughout the campaign, Carney criticized Trump’s policies, referring to recent tensions as an “American betrayal.”
Despite the friction, both leaders now seem eager to reset the relationship. Carney’s office confirmed that he and Trump agreed on the need for Canada and the U.S. to work together as “independent, sovereign nations” and that a meeting is being planned — possibly within a week.
Trump said he expects Carney to visit Washington soon. But the Canadian leader has made it clear that any visit will be business-focused. “I’m not going there for a photo op,” Carney said in an interview. “We expect respect — and I believe we’ll get it.”
Carney: Cautious but Open to Cooperation
In his post-election speech, Carney acknowledged the damage done to the Canada-U.S. relationship under Trump’s leadership but said he’s ready to move forward. “We’re past the initial shock,” he told supporters, “but we won’t forget the lessons.”
He emphasized that any talks with the U.S. must be on equal terms. “When I sit down with President Trump, it will be as the prime minister of a sovereign nation,” Carney said. “The U.S. is important, but not our only path to growth and prosperity.”
Trump Strikes Softer Tone — With a Dig
Trump’s tone toward Carney has been surprisingly measured — especially compared to his past treatment of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he regularly insulted. Still, Trump couldn’t help but take a swipe at both Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
“They both hated Trump,” he joked. “But the one who hated me less is the one who won.”
Trade and Security Talks Back on the Table
The Trump administration has signaled its intention to resume discussions with Canada on key issues like trade, cross-border security, and the opioid crisis. A U.S. State Department statement described the relationship as “vital” and said Washington is looking forward to renewed cooperation.
That said, Trump has not backed off his controversial idea that Canada should become America’s 51st state. White House officials reiterated that the president’s views on deeper continental integration haven’t changed, even after the election.
Older Voters Steered Liberals to Victory
According to an Ipsos poll for Global News, older Canadians — especially those over 55 — were a driving force behind the Liberal win. Many cited Canada-U.S. relations as a key issue influencing their vote.
Now, with a divided Parliament and high global stakes, Carney faces the challenge of defending Canada’s autonomy while managing a critical but complex relationship with its closest neighbor.
