What went down during 50-minute phone call between Trudeau, Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump stepped up his attack on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the issue of fentanyl trafficking following a 50 minute phone call between them on Wednesday
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the call with Trudeau ended in a "somewhat" friendly manner but was unhappy with Canada's efforts to curb fentanyl smuggling.
He also questioned Trudeau's position in Canada's upcoming federal election, saying he has been using the trade issue to stay in power.
Trade war
Canada and Mexico retaliate against US tariffs
The phone call comes amid rising trade tensions after US imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
In retaliation to the US's 25% tariffs, Canada and Mexico have also taken retaliatory measures.
Trudeau warned this standoff could hurt all three countries' economies but assured Canadians won't back down when their country's wellbeing is at stake.
"Canadians are reasonable, and we are polite. But we will not back down from a fight," Trudeau said on Tuesday.
Political tension
JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were also present
A senior government official informed CBC News that the call lasted 50 minutes and also included Vice President JD Vance and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Another senior government official stated that the US proposed removing part, but not all, of the tariffs provided Canada lifted its retaliation, which includes tariffs on $30 billion in American goods immediately.
Trudeau declined these offers, emphasizing that Canada will only cease its retaliation if the US removes all tariffs, the official added.
WTO complaint
Canada challenges US tariffs at World Trade Organization
While Canada is actively looking to negotiate an end to the trade war, it has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Canadian government argues these tariffs violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Canada's Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has stressed his government stands for a complete repeal of tariffs and adherence to the free trade agreement, saying no compromise would be accepted other than lifting the tariffs entirely.
Jibe
Trump calls Trudeau 'governor' again
Trump has repeatedly expressed his expansionist ambition to expand US territories abroad, including "reclaiming" the Panama Canal, which he reiterated in a joint speech to the Congress on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Trump referred to Trudeau as "governor" again, accusing his administration's "weak border policies" of allowing "tremendous amounts" of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the US.
Trudeau will step down as Liberal Party leader on March 9, and Canada must hold a federal election no later than October 20.