WASHINGTON, D.C. – The connection between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has captured global attention, especially as trade tensions flare and political interests compete.
After stepping in as Liberal Party leader and prime minister in early 2025, following Justin Trudeau’s exit, Carney now faces Trump’s tough trade stance and sharp remarks.
The spotlight is on whether Trump is outmanoeuvring Carney, taking advantage of what he sees as weak liberal deals, using Carney’s early compromises, and applying U.S. tariffs to push Canada, as Carney works to keep his election promises.
Trump’s Advantage: Steering the Conversation
Donald Trump’s foreign policy style is bold and often unpredictable, keeping his counterparts on edge. With Carney, who is new to politics but seasoned in finance, Trump seems to see an opening.
Carney’s experience as a central banker differs from Trump’s direct, deal-making approach. Trump often signals that he views Carney as an opponent he can manage, expecting measured and diplomatic replies that he can turn to America’s benefit.
Trump’s repeated comments about Canada as the “51st state” serve both as a jab and as a tactic to unsettle Carney. By hinting at Canadian subordination, Trump aims to weaken Carney’s authority and stir up Canadian pride.
This can make Carney look strong at home, but it also limits his ability to bargain. Social media users, such as @589bull10000, have pointed out Trump’s dismissive attitude during their White House meeting on May 6, 2025, a sign of how Trump tries to control the tone and narrative. Trump’s style forces Carney to respond, often on Trump’s schedule and terms.
Carney, in turn, has tried to project calm and resolve, repeatedly rejecting any idea of annexation. At the White House, Carney’s silent but clear “never” to the 51st state idea made a statement, but also showed the tightrope he must walk.
His approach, careful and calculated, may allow Trump to come across as the dominant force, making Carney seem to follow rather than lead in the public’s eyes.
Trump’s Perspective on Liberal Leadership
Trump seems pleased with Carney’s rise, viewing liberal leaders as less aggressive negotiators. He often sees progressive politicians as focused on diplomacy instead of confrontation, which he believes makes them easier to pressure.
Carney, who took over from Liberal Justin Trudeau, fits this idea. Trump’s past with Trudeau, whom he called “Governor Trudeau,” points to his low opinion of liberal Canadian government compared to a conservative challenger like Pierre Poilievre.
Carney’s strong win in the Liberal leadership race and general election on April 28, 2025, was driven by his promise to stand up to Trump’s tariffs and defend Canadian interests.
This message spoke to many Canadians angered by U.S. trade threats. Still, Trump seems to see an opportunity in this situation. A liberal leader like Carney, focused on Canada’s standing and economic strength, may shy away from the kind of brinkmanship Trump prefers.
Social media commentary, such as @TheThe1776’s claim that Carney “talks tough on TV but shows no toughness” in person, echoes Trump’s likely view that Carney is easy to push.
Trump’s satisfaction with Carney is also practical. A Liberal government led by a newcomer may have trouble keeping a divided country together, especially with Alberta’s pushback against their policies.
Trump’s ability to highlight these divisions gives him room to press his advantage during trade talks.
Carney’s Early Moves and Their Impact
Carney’s first months as prime minister have included tense talks with the U.S. over Trump’s tariffs. Critics say Carney has already shown signs of giving in.
At their May 6, 2025, meeting, Trump refused to ease tariffs, stating, “We don’t really want cars from Canada,” while Carney stressed the need for “constructive dialogue” without winning any clear concessions.
Trump also declined to lift tariffs when pushed, reinforcing the idea that Carney is struggling to shift U.S. policy.
Canada’s response, imposing C$60 billion in retaliatory tariffs, has been seen as too small to blunt the effect of U.S. tariffs, which include 25 per cent on Canadian goods, 50 per cent on steel and aluminium, and further duties on autos and energy.
Social media critics like @MarcNixon24 say Carney “caved to President Trump” and handed him a public victory. Carney’s choice to pause a new tax on tech companies after Trump threatened more tariffs is another example critics cite as backing down under pressure.
Supporters say Carney’s approach is realistic, not weak. He has called for “intensive negotiations” and is working to open new markets in Europe and Asia to reduce Canada’s dependence on the U.S. Still, the immediate effects of tariffs, along with calls for stronger moves from leaders like Ontario Premier Doug Ford, put Carney in a tough spot.
The idea that Carney is caving may have more to do with Trump’s media savvy and ability to shape the story than actual failures in policy.
How Tariffs Shape the Relationship
Trump’s tariffs are his main tool in pressuring Canada. Since early 2025, a 25 per cent tariff has covered most Canadian goods, with an added 25 per cent on autos and 50 per cent on steel and aluminium, all justified by claims about national security and drugs like fentanyl.
These measures have hit the Canadian economy hard, putting jobs at risk and raising fears of recession. U.S. companies like General Motors have faced big losses of $4-5 billion, but the pain for Canada’s auto and steel sectors has been even greater.
Trump uses tariffs to keep Canada off-balance, test Carney’s resolve, and gain ground in talks. By pausing tariffs on some USMCA-compliant goods, he creates uncertainty and keeps the pressure on while appearing open to compromise for his American supporters.
Trump often claims America needs little from Canada, while Canada relies heavily on the U.S., further pushing his point.
Carney’s answer has been to hit back with tariffs on U.S. goods, but Canada’s close trade ties limit the impact. His plan for a $5 billion fund to support trade diversification and boost Canadian supply chains aims to reduce this reliance, but these are long-term efforts facing urgent challenges.
The tariff battle has strained relations, and Carney has declared that the “old relationship” of close integration is “over,” signalling a tougher stance moving forward.
Progress on Promises
Carney was elected on a platform of resisting Trump’s tariffs, protecting Canadian independence, and rebuilding the economy by investing in key sectors like auto and minerals.
His “Canada Strong” slogan and “Elbows Up” approach inspired voters and brought the Liberals back into power. Still, six months into his term, critics say the results are lacking.
U.S. tariffs remain in place, despite Carney’s vow to lead Canada to victory in the trade dispute. Social media users, like @govt_corrupt, accuse Carney of misleading voters about his ability to handle Trump, especially as trade talks stall.
When steel and aluminium tariffs doubled to 50 per cent in June 2025, the lack of progress became more noticeable, making it harder for Carney to defend his record.
Carney’s plan to shift trade to new partners, including Europe, ASEAN, and MERCOSUR, and his use of Canada’s G7 presidency to promote fair trade, are important but slow to show results.
Meanwhile, regional frustrations from places like Alberta and sharp attacks from the Conservatives fuel doubts about Carney’s ability to keep the country united and deliver on his economic promises.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s dealings with Carney show a careful strategy to press what he sees as liberal weaknesses, using tariffs and bold statements to keep Canada under strain. Carney, for his part, has stood by Canada’s independence and is pushing for new trade options, but his early concessions and the ongoing tariff fight have made it easier for critics to claim he is giving in.
The ongoing trade conflict, alongside pressures at home, will test Carney’s ability to meet his pledges. As the G7 summit in June 2025 gets closer, the outcome of Carney’s next meeting with Trump could determine if the dynamic changes or if Trump’s approach continues to set the tone for one of the toughest chapters in U.S.-Canada relations in recent memory.
