Trump and Trudeau Remain Hopeful Following Discussion on Tariffs, Border Security, and Fentanyl

November 30, 2024 TruthUSA

President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau discussed trade, border security, and the drug crisis during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago.

President-elect Donald Trump described his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Florida as “very productive,” highlighting the importance of collaboration between the United States and Canada to address issues like border security, the drug crisis, and trade imbalances. Trudeau also praised the discussions as “excellent,” emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve concerns raised by the incoming administration.

The meeting on Nov. 29 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate served as an early test of the relationship between the president-elect and one of America’s closest allies, as tensions escalated over Trump’s proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports unless action is taken to curb the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants across the border.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I just had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, where we discussed many important topics that will require both countries to work together to address, like the fentanyl and drug crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of illegal immigration, fair trade deals that do not jeopardize American workers, and the massive trade deficit the U.S. has with Canada.”

The dinner meeting at Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, lasting three hours, brought together senior Canadian officials and Trump’s nominees for key roles in the incoming administration.

Trudeau was accompanied by Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblanc, chief of staff Katie Telford, and deputy chief of staff Brian Clow. Trump was joined by his nominees for various positions, including secretary of the interior North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, and national security adviser nominee Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.). Senator-elect Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) and his wife were also present.

Trudeau characterized the conversation as “excellent,” while Trump mentioned a broad agenda that included Arctic sovereignty, energy, illegal immigration, and trade. Trump also addressed the fentanyl crisis on Truth Social, expressing the need for joint efforts to combat it.

Against the backdrop of Trump’s tariff announcement, which hinges on addressing illegal border crossings and drug flows, Trudeau emphasized the seriousness of the threat and the importance of resolving it through discussions.

Trudeau expressed optimism about future conversations with Trump to support job creation on both sides of the border. Canadian officials have committed to enhancing border security measures to address U.S. concerns, especially regarding the influx of illicit drugs.

Canada is a major trading partner for the U.S., with significant economic exchanges occurring daily across the border. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo also seeks dialogue and cooperation with Trump in response to his tariff warning over drugs and illegal immigration.

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