Title: U.S. and Canada Seek Quick Resolution on Tariffs

WASHINGTON — A meeting on Tuesday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney focused on reaching swift agreements regarding steel and aluminum tariffs. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that both nations are committed to finalizing these deals quickly.

During the meeting, Trump praised Carney and assured him that he would leave the discussions "very happy," despite making aggressive remarks about trade and joking about the possibility of annexing Canada. When asked why he believed the Canadian delegation would be pleased, Trump declined to elaborate, stating, "Well, you’ll find out, but I think the people of Canada, they will love us again."

LeBlanc noted that the discussions were more detailed than previous talks, indicating a strong desire from both leaders to structure agreements that benefit the economic and security interests of both countries. "The conversation between the two leaders left us very much with the sense that there’s a desire to see how we can, starting with the steel and aluminum sectors, structure something that would be in the economic and security interests of both countries," he said.

LeBlanc spoke to reporters at the Canadian Embassy, highlighting the significant challenges these sectors have faced due to the tariffs. He expressed optimism about quickly arriving at a deal in these critical areas.

Carney's visit was politically sensitive, as he has campaigned on resolving the trade conflict with Trump, who is known for his unpredictable behavior with world leaders. Carney remained mostly silent during the news conference and did not make further public comments afterward, except for a brief post on social media. In his post, he stated, "President Trump and I know that there are areas where our nations can compete — and areas where we will be stronger together. We’re focused on building these new opportunities."

As Carney left the White House for additional meetings, he did not respond to reporters' questions. His office confirmed that he met with Senator Mike Crapo, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, but did not disclose details of other meetings. A source indicated that Carney was also scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Vice President JD Vance that evening.

In the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the government for the slow pace of negotiations, pointing out that Carney had promised a quick resolution to the trade war but had yet to deliver results. Poilievre also questioned Carney's comments about potential Canadian investments in the U.S., suggesting that such investments could lead to job losses in Canada.

"Why is it when the prime minister goes for lunch at the White House, it is Canadian workers on the menu?" Poilievre asked. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon dismissed this claim as "absurd," asserting that Carney was there to promote Canadian interests.

During the public portion of the meeting, Carney sat beside Trump in the Oval Office, where Trump made various comments, including his disdain for former President Joe Biden and windmills, while only hinting at trade issues. Carney largely allowed Trump to dominate the conversation. When Carney referred to Trump as a "transformative" president, Trump interjected, adding, "the merger of Canada and the United States" to a list of his accomplishments. Carney responded with a smile, saying, "That wasn’t where I was going."

Trump reiterated his stance on tariffs, stating that the U.S. aims to produce its own steel and automobiles. He acknowledged the natural business conflicts between the two countries, saying, "Americans don’t want to buy cars that are made in Canada. It’s a tough situation because we want to make our cars here. At the same time, we want Canada to do well making cars. So, we’re working on formulas and I think we’ll get there."

The president also mentioned the possibility of renewing the trilateral North American Free Trade Agreement while suggesting that separate deals could be an option. He praised Carney as a strong leader and negotiator. When asked why a trade deal had not yet been reached, Trump replied, "Because I want to be a great man, too."

Ahead of the meeting, provincial leaders expressed their hopes for Carney's success but also voiced frustrations over ongoing U.S. tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that if Carney could not secure a deal, Canada should consider retaliatory measures. "You sure don’t sit back and get beat up by a bully every single day," Ford said. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith supported Carney's visit as a means of building relationships, emphasizing the need for compromises on key issues like autos and steel.