What Trump and Carney discussed over lunch in Washington, according to a senior official

Following their meeting in the Oval Office, Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Trump continued their discussions over a working lunch in the Roosevelt Room. The atmosphere was cordial, with the president expressing his appreciation for hosting the Canadian leader at the White House.

While the majority of the lunchtime conversation focused on foreign policy matters, Carney made it clear to Trump that the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state was not a viable option. The prime minister also emphasized the need for the U.S. to lift its tariffs on Canadian goods in order to establish a new trading arrangement between the two countries.

Despite the ongoing tensions over tariffs and annexationist rhetoric, Trump and Carney engaged in a productive dialogue on various international issues. The president sought Carney’s perspective on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and other global challenges. Trump’s willingness to seek input from the Canadian leader was seen as a positive sign of mutual respect.

During the lunch, Trump also raised topics such as Israel and Gaza, as well as the situation in Yemen. While there was limited discussion on these issues, the exchange highlighted the president’s interest in hearing Carney’s insights on critical international affairs.

In addition to global matters, the leaders delved into domestic issues, including the opioid crisis and border security. Carney reiterated Canada’s efforts to combat the flow of illegal narcotics, particularly fentanyl, and stressed the importance of lifting tariffs based on inaccurate perceptions of Canada’s role in the drug trade.

The conversation also touched on energy, critical minerals, and defence spending, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship. Trump acknowledged Canada’s contributions to North American security and expressed satisfaction with the country’s procurement of U.S.-made equipment.

Overall, the meeting between Carney and Trump was characterized by a mix of candid discussions and diplomatic exchanges. Despite differences on certain issues, both leaders demonstrated a commitment to advancing mutual interests and addressing shared challenges. The lunch concluded on a positive note, with prospects for continued dialogue and cooperation between Canada and the United States.