Canadian Prime Minister Fact-Checks Trump on Trade, Border Security at White House Meeting

The Canadian government released a secret intelligence report contradicting claims by former President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers that the U.S.-Canada border is a significant national security threat, stating that suspected terrorist crossings from Canada are limited and a fraction of those at the southern U.S. border. During a tense meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney fact-checked and pushed back against Trump's inaccurate assertions about trade and the idea of Canada becoming the "51st state," emphasizing that Canada is the largest client of U.S. goods and that the trade relationship is mutually beneficial, particularly in the auto sector. Carney dismissed Trump's narrative by stating some places, like Canada, are "never for sale," countering Trump's claim that the U.S. does little business with Canada. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tensions stemming from Trump's trade war against Canada, but Carney maintained a firm stance in defense of Canadian interests and sovereignty. Trump’s statements about illegal migration and fentanyl flow across the northern border were also challenged by Canadian officials who say the data does not support those claims. Overall, the interaction underscored the conflicting views between the two leaders on border security, trade, and bilateral relations.