President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed a variety of topics during a call on Saturday, including the war in Ukraine, U.S. border security, and the recent 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. The call began with a discussion about the hockey championship, with both leaders expressing pride in their respective teams. The conversation then turned to the upcoming G7 call, marking the third anniversary of the invasion and war in Ukraine. Trudeau echoed Trump’s desire for a just and lasting peace in the region.
The two leaders also discussed U.S. border security, which has been a sensitive issue for Canadian officials since Trump imposed tariffs in response to drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canadian border. Trudeau claimed that Canada has achieved a 90% reduction in fentanyl crossing into the U.S. from Canada and said that his country’s border czar would be meeting with U.S. border chief Tom Homan in Washington. Trump has previously complained about the trade deficit the U.S. has with Canada and suggested that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state for economic benefits and military protection.
Trudeau has voiced concerns about Trump’s interest in turning Canada into a U.S. territory and has emphasized that Canada will not become the 51st state. He suggested that the Trump administration’s focus on Canada’s critical minerals and resources could be a reason for their interest in absorbing the country. Trump has previously stated that the U.S. does not need anything Canada has to offer and could benefit from lower taxes and military protection if Canada became a part of the country. Trudeau responded with a cheeky retort after Canada won the hockey tournament, emphasizing that Canada’s resources and game could not be taken by the U.S.
The call between Trump and Trudeau comes at a time of strained relations between the two leaders, with disputes over tariffs and Trump’s interest in absorbing Canada as a U.S. territory. Trump previously imposed tariffs on imports from Canada in response to concerns about drug trafficking at the border. Despite these tensions, both leaders expressed a desire for an end to the war in Ukraine and acknowledged the excellence of their hockey teams in the recent tournament. Trudeau’s visit to Washington for meetings with U.S. border officials suggests ongoing efforts to address border security concerns between the two countries.
Overall, the call between Trump and Trudeau covered a range of topics including the war in Ukraine, border security, and trade relations between the U.S. and Canada. Despite disagreements on issues such as tariffs and territorial ambitions, the leaders expressed a willingness to work together on common goals such as achieving peace in Ukraine and addressing border security challenges. The conversation highlighted the complexities of the relationship between the two neighboring countries and the importance of maintaining open communication to address shared concerns and interests.
