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 meeting Carney, Trump posted on social media that the US doesn’t need autos, energy, lumber or “ANYTHING” from the United States’ northern neighbour.
It’s a position that defies the underlying economic data as the United States depends on oil produced in Canada, in addition to an array of other goods that cross border trade makes more affordable in ways that benefit growth.
“I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidising Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?” Trump posted 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.
