Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Donald Trump amid tariff threats

Florida: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited US President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday, just days after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian imports over border-related issues.

Trudeau, whose official itinerary did not list a visit to Florida, was seen leaving a hotel in West Palm Beach and heading to Trump’s exclusive resort. Trudeau’s office and Trump’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment on the meeting.

The visit comes in the wake of Trump’s Monday statement threatening to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico unless they take stronger action against drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and curb migrant crossings at the US border.

The proposed tariffs have sparked concerns from officials in Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as major industry groups, who warn that such measures could harm the economies of all involved, drive inflation, and negatively impact job markets.

For Trudeau, the threat of tariffs is a blow to his government, which is already facing economic challenges, including a slowdown and rising living costs. Public opinion polls suggest that Trudeau’s popularity is waning, with his Liberal Party potentially losing to the Conservative Party in the upcoming election, set for late October 2025.

In response to the tariff threats, Trudeau has pledged to present a united front and has convened a meeting with the premiers of all ten Canadian provinces to discuss strategies for handling US relations. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc is accompanying Trudeau on his visit to Florida.

Canada, a major global oil and natural gas producer, exports the majority of its crude oil to the US. Trump’s proposed tariffs would not exempt oil from the trade penalties, raising concerns over potential economic impacts on both countries.