U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met for a private dinner at the Mar-a-Lago resort on Friday evening, amid rising tensions over Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The meeting, which included senior officials from both governments, highlighted the escalating trade and border security concerns between the neighboring nations.
According to CNN, the dinner was attended by key figures, including Florida Representative Mike Waltz, who is being considered for Trump’s national security adviser role, and Howard Lutnick, a potential Commerce Secretary. Trudeau was accompanied by his Chief of Staff Katie Telford and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
The meeting came just days after Trump threatened to impose steep tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal drugs and migration across the borders. Trudeau responded to the tariff announcement earlier in the week by convening Canada’s provincial premiers to address the potential economic fallout.
In remarks to reporters on Friday morning, Trudeau underscored the mutual harm such tariffs could inflict. “Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, plans on carrying them out. He would not only harm Canadians but also raise prices for American citizens and hurt U.S. industries,” Trudeau said.
The two leaders reportedly had a phone conversation earlier this week to discuss trade and border security. Trudeau expressed hope for constructive collaboration with the incoming administration, noting the importance of addressing mutual concerns.
Trudeau’s trip to Florida was notably absent from his public itinerary, with neither his office nor Trump’s representatives commenting on the details of the meeting. However, the gathering is seen as significant, coming weeks before Trump’s inauguration and amidst heightened tensions in U.S.-Canada relations.
Trudeau’s government is preparing for a challenging period ahead, with some senior Liberals warning that a potential second Trump term could bring even greater difficulties.
While Trudeau had earlier congratulated Trump on his election win, describing U.S.-Canada relations as “the envy of the world,” Friday’s dinner underscored the complex dynamics between the two nations as they navigate trade, security, and economic challenges.
