Canadian Prime Minister Faces Criticism After Oval Office Meeting With President Trump Amid Trade Tensions

President Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House to discuss ongoing trade tensions, particularly U.S. tariffs affecting Canadian products. During the meeting, Trump lightened the mood with humorous remarks, including a joke about merging the United States and Canada, which elicited laughter from Carney and the press. Carney praised Trump as a "transformative president" for his impact on the economy and international affairs, though some observers criticized Carney's compliments as overly deferential. Despite the cordial tone, key issues like tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unresolved, with Trump emphasizing that the U.S. has been giving too much to Canada in trade. The event featured moments that captured public attention, such as Carney's playful wink at reporters and Trump's witty exchanges, highlighting the blend of diplomacy and showmanship in the meeting. Overall, the discussions reflected ongoing complexities in U.S.-Canada relations amid trade disputes and political theater.