Trump Expresses Preference for a Liberal PM in Canadian Election Outcome Over Conservative Leader
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he doesn’t “really care” who wins the upcoming general election in Canada, expressing a preference for a Liberal leader, as he believes they would be “easier” to negotiate with.
These remarks were made during an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News, which aired on March 18. During the discussion, Ingraham explored various topics, including Trump’s perspective on Canada.
Ingraham noted that the Liberal Party in Canada seemed to be gaining momentum following a period of decline, suggesting that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration might result in a more antagonistic relationship with the U.S. and potentially strengthen Canada’s ties with China, which she claimed could put the U.S. in a difficult position.
Trump responded by stating he would “prefer to engage with a Liberal over a Conservative.”
“The Conservative candidate running is not exactly a friend,” he remarked, referring to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, adding that Poilievre had made “negative comments” about him, to which he “couldn’t care less.”
“I actually think it’s more straightforward to deal with a Liberal, and while they may come out on top, it doesn’t really bother me. It’s inconsequential,” he stated.
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In recent statements, Trump has suggested that Canada should become the “51st state” of the U.S. and has enacted two sets of tariffs affecting the nation. Following these tariff threats and the departure of former Prime Minister and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, the Liberal Party has significantly narrowed the polling gap behind the Conservatives, with some polls indicating they might actually be leading.
Previously, Trump voiced his lack of enthusiasm for Poilievre in a late February magazine interview, indicating that the Tory leader is “not a MAGA guy,” a sentiment Poilievre later confirmed.
Poilievre also responded to Trump’s recent remarks regarding a Liberal being simpler to deal with than a Conservative, asserting, “On that front, he’s accurate. I’m a strong leader. I’m tough to negotiate with. I stand firm in my beliefs, and my priority will always be Canada.”
51st State
During his Fox News interview, Trump elaborated on his views on what benefits could arise from making Canada a state.
He also discussed his experiences with the previous Liberal government led by Trudeau, seemingly contradicting his past statements about engaging with Liberals.
“I interact with every country, whether directly or indirectly,” Trump explained. “Canada has been one of the toughest countries to work with,” he claimed, adding that Trudeau and “his team were difficult.”
“They were not truthful. They never spoke the truth,” Trump noted, explaining how Canadian officials would assure him that they “don’t charge,” likely referring to tariffs.
“They impose charges that are outrageous,” Trump remarked while discussing Canadian tariffs on U.S. dairy products, which are heavily regulated under Canada’s supply management system.
When asked about his long-term goal regarding Canada, Trump expressed a desire to eliminate the trade deficit. He estimated the deficit with Canada at $200 billion, while Ingraham suggested it was $60 billion.
“You say $60 [billion] and I say $200 [billion]—but that’s irrelevant,” Trump responded. “I don’t want to pay either $60 or $200 billion to a country that would be our biggest, most splendid state if they were part of us.”
As the Canadian general election approaches, political discussions around proposals to strengthen Canada’s economy and sovereignty in light of Trump’s tariffs are becoming increasingly significant.
Prime Minister Mark Carney commented on March 18 regarding what he believes Trump aims to achieve with Canada.
Carney suggested that Trump wants to tackle the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., create high-paying jobs for Americans, attract more investments, and bring industries back home. “I completely understand that,” Carney added.
“I believe he will appreciate that as prime minister of Canada, my goals include ending the fentanyl crisis in Canada, fostering high-paying jobs here, and of course, safeguarding our sovereignty across all of Canada,” Carney explained.
Carney indicated that these objectives would be essential starting points for any future discussions with Trump. Having been sworn in as prime minister on March 14, he has yet to speak with the U.S. leader.
Carney traveled to France and the UK shortly after taking office, and he shared his views on Trump during a brief stopover in Iqaluit on March 18, where he announced intentions to enhance military presence in the Arctic.
