分类： politics

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, marking his second visit to the U.S. capital this year. The primary focus of the meeting is to revive stalled trade negotiations between the two nations, which have dragged on past an August deadline. Despite the prolonged discussions, few details have emerged about the sticking points preventing a deal. Canada remains the only G7 country without a trade agreement with the Trump administration this year, though Ottawa is not in a rush due to exemptions under the US-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).

Trump has recently reignited controversial rhetoric, suggesting Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, while Carney faces domestic pressure to secure a deal that would lower tariffs, particularly for sectors like steel and lumber. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has indicated progress toward an agreement, with media reports suggesting potential relief from U.S. steel tariffs. However, insiders express frustration over the lack of clarity from the White House regarding the terms of a potential trade and security deal.

Carney’s visit is framed as a ‘working visit’ aimed at finding common ground on economic and security issues, though no major breakthroughs are anticipated. Experts note that face-to-face discussions with Trump, who values personal relationships, could help ease the trade stalemate. Meanwhile, Carney has faced criticism for softening his initially aggressive stance toward the Trump administration, making concessions such as dropping retaliatory tariffs and withdrawing long-standing legal disputes.

The meeting coincides with the upcoming review of the USMCA, with U.S. Trade Representative Jameison Greer signaling that the review may be conducted separately with Canada and Mexico. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has expressed frustration with Canadians’ discontent toward the U.S., highlighting the challenges in fostering a passionate bilateral relationship. Public sentiment in Canada has soured, with tourism data showing a decline in Canadian visits to the U.S. and polls indicating a loss of trust in the U.S.-Canada relationship.

As Carney navigates these complexities, he has spent the summer strengthening ties with allies like the UK and Mexico to diversify Canada’s trade options. Domestically, he has focused on long-term economic projects to bolster Canada’s output. However, there is broad consensus across Canada’s political spectrum that a deal with the U.S. is essential to protect the economy, given that 75% of Canadian exports are destined for the U.S. market. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting could have significant implications for Canada’s economic future.

Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has repeatedly stirred controversy with his unconventional deployment of the National Guard, traditionally a state-based force reserved for natural disasters or large-scale protests. Trump has sought to repurpose these troops to address political unrest in major U.S. cities, particularly in response to protests against his immigration policies. He argues that the National Guard is essential to quell violence, support deportation initiatives, and combat crime in Democratic-controlled cities. However, critics, including former military officials, Democratic governors, and federal judges, have raised concerns about the politicization of the military and potential overreach of presidential authority. The latest flashpoint occurred in early October when Trump attempted to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, where protests erupted outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. A federal judge temporarily blocked the move, and the legal battle continues. The National Guard, which operates under state governors during emergencies, can be federalized by the president under specific circumstances. Trump has invoked U.S. Code § 12406, which allows the president to call National Guard troops into federal service in cases of invasion or rebellion, to support ICE missions. However, his actions have faced legal challenges, including a ruling that his deployment of troops in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of military force for domestic matters. Trump’s recent attempt to send 300 National Guard troops to Chicago following immigration protests has also drawn criticism, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker accusing him of manufacturing a crisis. In Portland, federal law enforcement clashed with demonstrators opposing Trump’s mass deportation initiative, leading to arrests and the use of tear gas. Despite Trump’s claims of lawlessness, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek dismissed the notion of an insurrection or national security threat. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the recent court rulings blocking his deployment of the National Guard in Oregon.

The United States Senate convened on Monday to vote on competing proposals aimed at reopening the federal government, yet neither resolution garnered sufficient support to pass. This deadlock ensures that the government shutdown, now in its sixth day, will persist for the foreseeable future. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning earlier in the day, cautioning that further legislative failures could lead to widespread layoffs among federal employees. Thousands have already been furloughed or forced to work without pay since funding for their agencies expired last week. The impasse between Democrats and Republicans shows no signs of resolution, with both parties entrenched in mutual blame. Democrats insist that any funding bill must address healthcare provisions, particularly safeguarding subsidies for lower-income Americans and reversing cuts to Medicaid. Republicans, however, advocate for a ‘clean’ funding bill, free of additional policy riders. The White House has repeatedly warned of ‘imminent’ permanent layoffs, a sentiment echoed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that the Office of Management and Budget is preparing for such outcomes. Leavitt urged Democrats to relent, emphasizing, ‘There’s nothing to negotiate. Just reopen the government.’ Meanwhile, in separate interviews on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Speaker Mike Johnson each accused the opposing party of perpetuating the stalemate. Jeffries criticized Republicans for ‘lying’ about Democratic intentions, while Johnson claimed Democrats were ‘not serious’ in negotiations. The ongoing shutdown underscores the deep partisan divide in Washington, with no immediate solution in sight.