Trump Says He Just Spoke with Canadian PM Amid Rising US-Canada Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he had a “productive” conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In his post, Trump wrote:

"I just finished speaking with Prime Minister Mark Carney, of Canada. It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors, that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The post is notable not only for the discussion itself but also because Trump referred to Carney by his correct title. Previously, Trump had referred to then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "Governor of Canada."

Tensions Between the U.S. and Canada Remain High

Despite Trump’s optimistic tone, relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly over trade. Since his re-election in November 2024, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, citing concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking at the U.S.-Canada border.

In early 2025, Trump introduced a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, later increasing tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% before temporarily backing off following negotiations. Canada responded with its own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods, creating fears of a full-scale trade war that economists warn would be bad for North American economy. 

Carney Pushes Back Against Trump’s Policies

Carney, who took office in March 2025, has been vocal in his opposition to Trump’s approach. Just 14 hours before Trump’s Truth Social post, Carney wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Montréal is ready to stand up to President Trump — to look out for ourselves and for each other. That’s #CanadaStrong."

Carney has also dismissed Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should become the “51st state” of the U.S., an idea the American president has floated both jokingly and as a potential policy goal. Before stepping down, Trudeau warned that Trump’s comments about annexation were "a real thing," tied to U.S. interest in Canada’s natural resources. 

Is Trump Following Jefferson's Footsteps?

It is worth mentioning that some American presidents in the past, such as Thomas Jefferson, were of the view that US should acquire, what is now, Canadian territory. 

In 1812, during the presidency of his successor James Madison, Jefferson famously wrote in a letter to William Duane that the acquisition of Canada would be "a mere matter of marching." This comment came amid the War of 1812 (1812–1815), when the U.S. attempted—and failed—to invade and conquer British North America (modern-day Canada). Jefferson supported the war partly because he viewed Canada’s incorporation as a natural outcome of American expansion, aligning with his broader vision of a continental republic.

In Canada, Public Opinion Shifts Against the U.S.

Trump’s actions and rhetoric have led to a shift in public sentiment in Canada. A February 2025 poll found that 27% of Canadians now view the U.S. as an "enemy," up from less than 5% in 2020. Nationalist movements, including calls to “buy Canadian” and boycotts of U.S. goods, have gained traction, and American national anthems have been booed at sports events.

Meanwhile, Trump’s threats to alter the U.S.-Canada border or withdraw from joint defense agreements like NORAD have raised security concerns. However, as of late March 2025, no concrete actions have been taken on these fronts.

With Canada’s federal election scheduled for April 28, Trump’s latest comments suggest he is prepared to engage with the Canadian government post-election—though whether relations between the two countries improve remains to be seen.