From Newsweek · · 3m
Trump's White House key came with a shooting joke, Carney says
The Canadian PM says a ceremonial gift from Trump included an unusual warning that captures the current state of U.S.-Canada relations.
In brief
The Canadian PM says a ceremonial gift from Trump included an unusual warning that captures the current state of U.S.-Canada relations. Despite escalating trade tensions and personal barbs, 80 percent of U.S.-Canada trade remains tariff-free, and both sides say a deal is still possible. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Gold keys with a dark joke
Trump gave Carney a box of gold White House keys and said they'd let him in. Then he added: "Maybe they'll shoot you."
“And that sort of sums up the relationship. In Canada, you get the key. In the U.S., they might shoot you.”
The gift came during tense talks
Trump presented the keys during a May 6, 2025 White House meeting focused on tariffs and trade disputes between the two countries.
Canada won't rush a deal
Carney told investors Canada will take a long-term approach to negotiations rather than rushing into a new trade agreement with Washington.
“When those opportunities return, Canada will be an even better partner, stronger, more resilient, more independent.”
Relationships replaced by transactions
Without naming Trump, Carney criticized the shift toward transactional, zero-sum thinking in international trade relationships.
“Our reputation, as a reliable, predictable partner, has rarely been more valuable in a world where transactions are replacing relationships.”
Trade talks collapsed last month
The U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on around $20 billion of Canadian goods after negotiations broke down, prompting Canadian retaliation.
Trump wants Canada as 51st state
Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could become the 51st state, a proposal Canadian leaders have rejected.
Most trade remains tariff-free
Despite tensions, roughly 80 percent of trade between the two countries remains tariff-free, and Carney says a beneficial deal is still possible.
“There is a mutually beneficial arrangement that can be had. When it is the right time to strike that deal, we'll be ready to do that.”
Carney heads to Europe
The prime minister traveled to Europe after the Toronto summit to address the European Parliament and deepen economic ties beyond the U.S.
How the tariff war started
Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods in March 2025, plus 10 percent on energy and potash, triggering Ottawa's countermeasures.
Latest escalation hits hard
The U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods effective August 22. Canada matched them on September 8.
Trump targets Bombardier
On September 7, Trump said Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier should not sell planes in the U.S. unless it manufactures them there.
“NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES!”
Bessent calls Canada a yippy dog
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared Canada to a "little yippy dog" while criticizing Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs.
Canada looks beyond Washington
Carney framed the conflict as a chance to reduce economic dependence on the U.S. and attract investment from other markets.
“We know that nostalgia is not a strategy.”
Presidential gifts are tradition
Every U.S. president since George Washington has received gifts from world leaders, ranging from artwork to crocodile insurance and luxury aircraft.
Trump gets golf clubs and more
Foreign leaders have given Trump golf-related gifts reflecting his interests, plus items like a samurai helmet, gold crown and golden pager.
What makes this gift unusual
Ceremonial keys fit diplomatic tradition. What stands out is the warning Carney says came with them: "Maybe they'll shoot you."
What to remember
Despite escalating trade tensions and personal barbs, 80 percent of U.S.-Canada trade remains tariff-free, and both sides say a deal is still possible.
