Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Florida to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This meeting was scheduled in response to Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on goods coming from Canada. Trudeau’s plane landed at Palm Beach International Airport at around 5:30 p.m. local time, and he was expected to dine with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday night.
According to senior sources who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity, the meeting was arranged by Canadian officials. The Trump transition team did not comment on the meeting when reached by CBS News. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were several key figures, including Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice for national security adviser, along with their wives.
Other attendees at the dinner included Republican Senator-elect David McCormick of Pennsylvania and his wife Dina Powell, a former deputy national security adviser under Trump. Katie Telford, Trudeau’s chief of staff, was also present at the dinner. The meeting between Trudeau and Trump came after the Canadian Prime Minister warned that imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian products would raise prices for Americans and harm American businesses.
Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries did not address issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trudeau emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong trade relationship between the two countries and highlighted the potential negative impact of tariffs on both Canadian and American consumers and businesses.
Despite previous tensions between Trump and Trudeau, the two leaders have maintained close ties, with Trudeau being the first leader from the Group of Seven countries to visit Trump since the November 4 election. Corey Lewandowski, a Trump aide, expressed confidence that Trudeau would work with the president to address border security concerns and keep goods flowing between the two countries.
Trudeau reiterated the importance of constructive conversations with Trump to address concerns and keep the relationship moving forward in a positive direction. He expressed willingness to work with the U.S. on border security issues while emphasizing the benefits of the trade relationship between the two countries.
The meeting between Trudeau and Trump also addressed concerns about fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration, with Trump expressing a desire to prevent unauthorized migration across the border. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of cooperation to address these challenges and maintain a strong economic partnership.
In the past, Trump’s imposition of tariffs has led to retaliatory measures from other countries, including Canada. The potential for a tariff war between the U.S. and its trading partners remains a concern, given the significant economic impact of such actions. Canada is a key trading partner for the U.S., with billions of dollars worth of goods and services crossing the border each day.
Canada is also a major supplier of steel, aluminum, and critical minerals to the U.S., with significant implications for national security. The ongoing discussions between Trudeau and Trump are crucial for ensuring the stability and prosperity of both countries through continued cooperation and dialogue.
