Mark Carney to meet Donald Trump in White House today: What's on the table and why it matters amid strained US-Canada ties

A central theme of Prime Minister Carney's election campaign was his strong opposition to the Trump administration. The upcoming meeting is seen as a crucial moment for Carney, who pledged to address and improve Canada’s strained relationship with the U.S.

Interestingly, Carney’s visit to the White House might also serve a symbolic purpose. The former banker’s landslide victory has, in part, been attributed to Trump’s controversial threats towards Canada, which galvanized public support in Carney’s favor.

As the two neighboring leaders prepare to meet, the world is watching closely to see whether diplomacy, defiance, or deal-making will define the tone of their highly anticipated encounter.

Let's take a closer look at the key issues likely to be discussed between the two leaders.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, with trade and sovereignty topping the agenda. The high-stakes meeting comes at a time when bilateral relations have been strained due to reciprocal tariffs and controversial comments from Trump regarding Canada’s sovereignty.

Trade talks and tariff tensions

The primary focus is expected to be on trade, especially the 25 percent tariffs the U.S. has imposed on Canadian imports, similar to those applied to Mexico. Canada has responded with its own tariffs, and while the situation hasn’t escalated to the level of the U.S.-China trade war, both sides appear interested in a resolution. According to William Pellerin, a partner in the international trade group at McMillan LLP, Canadian officials are unlikely to offer early concessions, instead opting for a strategy of “mutual de-escalation.”

51st State 

Another pressing issue likely to be addressed is Trump’s repeated and provocative suggestion that Canada could become the "51st state." In a recent interview, the president clarified that he did not intend to use military force, a statement that was itself seen as extraordinary. Carney is expected to use the meeting to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty and push back firmly against any such rhetoric.

A reset in diplomatic tone

As Carney prepares to meet Trump, it remains to be seen if he’ll face the same hostility directed at his predecessor, Justin Trudeau—whom Trump once mocked as Canada’s “governor.” Despite past tensions, Trump recently struck a more conciliatory tone, calling Carney “a very nice gentleman” and expressing hope for “a great relationship.”

Changing aggression into opportunity 

Gord Nixon, former CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada and a close collaborator with Carney during the 2008 financial crisis, told the Financial Post he believes Carney’s steady leadership will be on full display.

“In my view, the prime minister should focus on changing the conversation from one of aggression to opportunity while acknowledging we need to do more in terms of defence and military spending,” Nixon said to the Financial Post. He emphasised that “establishing a respectful and non-combative relationship will be important in the long run.”

As both leaders prepare for this pivotal dialogue, observers hope the meeting can mark a shift from confrontation toward constructive engagement.