Joly heads to Washington to discuss tariffs with Rubio while Trump considers 5% NATO surplus target.

January 23, 2025 TruthUSA

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly will meet with Donald Trump’s new secretary of state next week in Washington to discuss Canada’s concerns about damaging tariffs.

Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada starting on Feb. 1, but Joly notes that things are still in transition as Trump has not yet confirmed a commerce secretary.

Joly recently spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the phone for half an hour and plans to meet with him in person next week to discuss how tariffs could negatively impact America’s economy and its international relationships. She aims to show the Trump administration that Canada can support the U.S. in standing against China.

Joly mentions that Rubio appeared receptive to new ideas during their conversation. Additionally, she intends to meet with other key Republican senators during her visit to Washington and Canada will participate in Trump’s planned review of trading practices.

Furthermore, Trump reiterated his call for NATO allies, including Canada, to allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense. Currently, no NATO country meets this target.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by highlighting Ottawa’s planned increases in military spending, emphasizing Canada’s role as a partner to the U.S. in a turbulent global environment.

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