Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that he will visit US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes meeting amid escalating trade tensions and renewed threats of annexation from Washington.
Carney’s Liberal Party recently pulled off a dramatic comeback victory in a national election seen by many as a clear rebuke to Trump, whose aggressive trade policies and perceived attacks on Canadian sovereignty sparked public outrage.
“Canadians elected a new government to stand up to President Trump and to build a strong economy,” Carney said in his first public remarks since the election.
Carney also revealed that King Charles III will deliver a speech outlining the government’s agenda when Parliament resumes on 27 May. As head of state, Charles plays a ceremonial role in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth.
Since taking office following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Carney has pivoted Canada’s foreign policy focus towards traditional allies such as Britain and France. He reiterated that the long-standing trajectory of deepening US-Canada integration is now a thing of the past.
“On Tuesday, I had a very constructive call with President Trump, and we agreed to meet next Tuesday in Washington,” Carney said. “My government will fight to get the best deal for Canada.”
Carney has previously declared the end of what he called Canada’s “special friendship” with the US—an 80-year era marked by American leadership in global economic affairs and partnerships built on mutual trust.
While Trump frequently mocked Carney’s predecessor—often derisively referring to him as “Governor Trudeau”—he has so far refrained from publicly attacking Carney.
Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, expressed concern about Carney's upcoming visit.
“There is absolutely no reason to go. You can’t bargain with Trump—his word isn’t worth anything. It’s like writing on the surface of a scummy pond. We have nothing to gain,” Bothwell said.
Carney also laid out his new government’s priorities four days after the Liberals secured a fourth term.
“The election is behind us, and we now face a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. It’s time to unite, to put on our Team Canada sweaters, and to win big,” he said. “This is a moment for boldness, for ambition—to meet this challenge with the full force of a united Canada.”
