For starters, Trump appears aware that he’s become a factor in the Canadian election, and that he may have contributed to the Liberal Party’s extraordinary rebound. He, and people close to him, have made statements showing some awareness of those dynamics.
Another reason? Carney is not Trudeau. Trump spoke with unique disdain for the former PM, something his former aide John Bolton said Trump also did in private.
Carney also surprised some Americans with his comments yesterday about the rupture in Canada-U.S. relations, getting lots of attention in Washington.
Washington-based Canada-U.S. trade consultant Eric Miller said it has begun to dawn on people here that there could be long-term damage to a close relationship, one that benefits the U.S.
“They [realize the] need to moderate their rhetoric and keep the relationship going in a historically positive direction,” Miller said.
And finally, Americans don’t want a fight with Canada. Poll after poll shows that tariffs on Canada are unpopular, as is the 51st-state talk.
Consumer sentiment is plunging and inflation fears are at a decades-long high, so Trump has some incentives to patch things up.
“Of course, it’s one statement, one call,” Miller added. “[Trump] changes just like the weather.”
I was a little worried that Carney issued the ultimatum that he would not talk unless Trump treats Canada with respect during negotiations, but then he talked. So I’m glad there’s a pronounced change in Trump’s rhetoric towards Canada, which means Carney wasn’t backing down for nothing.
It’s worth noting that in his statement on Truth Social, Trump dropped the “Governor” BS and called Carney the Prime Minister.
That’s pretty notable, since Truth Social is basically preaching to the choir. Obviously, what is said on there will get out to the world at large, but it’s still presenting a unified stance, not a different tune for his followers to lap up.