Trump Vows Fair Treatment for Canada Amid Tariff Talks, Trade Deal Uncertain

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday pledged to treat Canada fairly during discussions over U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods but remained noncommittal about the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said Canada would "walk away very happy" and emphasized fairness in upcoming trade negotiations.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the meeting as “successful, positive, and substantive,” noting progress but clarifying that a final deal was not yet close. “We have momentum now that we didn’t have this morning,” he said, suggesting more talks could happen soon.

Carney, on his second White House visit in five months, is under mounting pressure to resolve U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automotive products. Trump signaled an interest in restructuring trade, saying Washington might pursue bilateral deals instead of sticking with the USMCA’s 2026 review timeline. “We might make deals that are better for the individual countries,” he remarked, while adding, “I want the best deal for this country, and also with Canada in mind.”

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in March, has adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Trump, describing him as a “transformative president.” The two leaders even shared light moments, joking about a hypothetical merger between Canada and the U.S.

Despite improved relations, Canada’s industries continue to feel the strain of tariffs, particularly in manufacturing-heavy Ontario. Premier Doug Ford criticized Carney’s softer stance, urging a tougher response: “If you can’t get a deal, hit him back hard.”

While Trump insisted that Canadians “will love us again,” analysts warn that strained trade relations and consumer backlash could further test one of the world’s most vital economic partnerships.