Canada’s new prime minister has arrived at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Carney received a handshake and a couple of shoulder pats from the US president.
Trump then turned toward the news media and did a fist pump, which Carney then emulated with a fist pump of his own.
The two leaders then entered the White House without exchanging any words for the gathered reporters.
Before Carney’s arrival, Trump expressed doubts on social media about the benefits of an economic relationship with Canada.
Just before his meeting with Carney, Trump took to social media expressing that the US doesn’t need automobiles, energy, lumber, or “ANYTHING” from its northern neighbor.
This stance contradicts the economic facts, as the United States heavily relies on Canadian oil and other goods that are made more affordable through cross-border trade, which supports economic growth.
“I am eager to collaborate with him, but I can’t grasp one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 billion annually, alongside providing them with FREE military protection, and numerous other benefits?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
While Trump said he still welcomes Canada’s friendship and hopes to maintain it, he’s indicating despite economic data to the contrary that the United States would be fine without Canada.
“The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence,” Trump posted.
