Trump Calls Canada PM Trudeau 'Governor' Amid Trade Dispute

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Americans would experience higher prices if the U.S. imposed tariffs on his country. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump responded by jokingly characterizing Canada as a U.S. state.

Key Quotes:

• In a speech Monday evening, Trudeau said Americans "are beginning to wake up to the reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive for [them]." He mentioned a 2018 tariff spat with the first Trump administration in which Canada's retaliatory tariffs were "politically impactful to the president’s party and colleagues… We were able to punch back in a way that was actually felt by Americans."
• On Tuesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!"

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) noted that Trump renegotiated the U.S.-Canada trade agreement late in his first term, saying the new agreement aimed to "address issues in... labor rights, environmental standards and digital trade." Steve Benen (Left), writing for MSNBC (Left), called Trump's claims of large U.S. trade deficits with Canada and Mexico "wildly exaggerated" and "largely gibberish," alleging Trump misunderstands the concept of a trade deficit. MarketWatch (Center) observed, "Investors have largely shrugged off Trump’s threats — and possible retaliation — so far as bargaining."