First 'productive' call between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister

Donald Trump on Friday praised himself for what he called an "extremely productive" phone call with Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, amid escalating trade tensions and the U.S. president’s stated ambition to annex his northern neighbor.

"I just spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. It was an extremely productive call; we agreed on many things," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The U.S. president added that he plans to meet with Carney after Canada’s legislative elections, scheduled for April 28. "There will be a meeting immediately after the next Canadian elections to work on political, economic, and all other issues, which will ultimately benefit both the United States and Canada," he said.

Trump’s remarks marked a shift in tone as Canada grapples with an unprecedented crisis. Tensions have risen since he launched a trade war against the country and repeatedly stated his desire to make Canada the "51st American state."

Cars and Metals

Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau two weeks ago, described the conversation as "very constructive" but warned that Canada would retaliate on April 2 if the United States imposes new tariffs.

"We will not back down; we will respond forcefully," Carney said at an afternoon news conference. "What is clear is that relations between Canada and the United States have changed. And it is not us who have changed," he added, emphasizing the need for Canada to turn to Europe "to strengthen ties with reliable partners."

"In the weeks, months, and years to come, we will need to fundamentally rethink our economy," he said.

On Wednesday, Trump announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on car imports, adding to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. The announcement came days before the U.S. is set to implement "reciprocal" tariffs on foreign goods at the same level as those imposed on American exports.

Canada is the top U.S. supplier of steel and aluminum, and its auto industry is closely integrated with the American market. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, speaking Friday during a trip to Greenland, dismissed concerns about Canada’s ability to counter the tariffs.

"Canada does not hold all the cards," Vance said. "Canada cannot, in any way, win a trade war against the United States."

Trump also threatened additional tariffs on both Canada and the European Union if they coordinate retaliation against Washington’s trade policies.

‘Respect’

Carney, a former head of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, interrupted his campaign on Wednesday to meet with Canadian provincial leaders. With the era of close U.S.-Canada cooperation "over," he said he aims to boost trade between Canadian provinces, which has been hindered by tariffs.

He also stressed the importance of "respect" from the U.S. president as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue.

In his statement Friday, Trump struck a more diplomatic tone, referring to Carney by his official title and avoiding mention of annexation.

Trump had previously referred to Carney’s predecessor, Trudeau, as "governor"—a jab reflecting his push for Canada to become a U.S. state.