As tensions rise between the United States and Canada over the ongoing tariff war, US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a nearly 50-minute phone call on Wednesday to discuss trade relations and fentanyl smuggling, according to multiple reports.
The call, which included US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Vice President JD Vance, reportedly turned heated at times, particularly over fentanyl trafficking and Canada’s upcoming elections, CTV News quoted sources.
Trump Calls Out Trudeau Over Trade and Elections
Following the call, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform, accusing Trudeau of attempting to leverage trade disputes to stay in power.
“Justin Trudeau, of Canada, called me to ask what could be done about Tariffs. I told him that many people have died from Fentanyl that came through the Borders of Canada and Mexico, and nothing has convinced me that it has stopped. He said that it’s gotten better, but I said, ‘That’s not good enough.’ The call ended in a ‘somewhat’ friendly manner! He was unable to tell me when the Canadian Election is taking place, which made me curious, like, what’s going on here? I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power. Good luck, Justin!” Trump posted.
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Trudeau has been Canada’s Prime Minister since 2015 but announced in January that he would step down once a new Liberal Party leader is chosen.
US-Canada Trade Disputes & Fentanyl Smuggling
The tariff war between the US and Canada has escalated in recent months, with Washington imposing higher tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, citing national security concerns. In response, Ottawa has threatened countermeasures on American imports.
Beyond trade, fentanyl smuggling was a major point of contention during the Trump-Trudeau call. Trump has long accused both Canada and Mexico of being major transit points for illicit fentanyl shipments entering the United States.
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According to Reuters, teams from both nations will continue talks to address trade and fentanyl issues. While details of these negotiations remain unclear, the strained relations between Trump and Trudeau suggest that resolving these disputes will not be easy.
As elections loom in both nations, Trump’s direct attacks on Trudeau indicate that US-Canada tensions could remain a central issue in the months ahead.
