# 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.
- Title: Trump's White House key came with a shooting joke, Carney says
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: mark carney, donald trump, canada, united states, white house, tariffs, trade dispute, u.s.-canada relations, fort smith, toronto, canada investment summit, Trump's
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/canada-pm-mark-carney-trump-white-house-gift-warning-12447411
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:58:05+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mark carney, donald trump, canada, united states, white house, tariffs, trade dispute, u.s.-canada relations, fort smith, toronto, canada investment summit
## 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."
## Key takeaway

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.