Top Stories· August 18, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.
Trump and Carney Discuss Tariffs Ahead of Deadline
Key takeaways
- Trump spoke with Canadian advisor Gerald Butts
- Discussion focused on ongoing trade dispute
- U.S. President expressed concerns about Canada's dairy industry
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top advisor, Gerald Butts, also known as the Clerk of the Privy Council, on Monday. The conversation comes as the deadline for tariff decisions looms. The discussion focused on the ongoing trade dispute between the two countries.
According to reports, Trump expressed his concerns about Canada's dairy industry and its protectionist policies. He also mentioned the potential impact of these issues on the ongoing negotiations regarding steel and aluminum tariffs.
Butts responded by emphasizing Canada's commitment to free trade and its desire for a mutually beneficial agreement with the U.S. He also reiterated Canada's concerns about the tariffs, stating that they could harm both economies.
The call between Trump and Butts follows a series of escalating tensions over trade between the two nations. The tariff decisions are expected to be announced soon.