On Saturday, President Donald Trump had a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, covering various topics including the ongoing war in Ukraine and issues related to U.S. border security.
According to a statement issued by the White House on Saturday evening, the call commenced with a discussion about the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament, which Canada won. Both leaders “expressed pride in the exceptional quality of both nations’ teams that competed in a fiercely contested hockey championship.”
“The dialogue then shifted to the upcoming G7 call on Monday, which will commemorate the third anniversary of the invasion and war in Ukraine,” the statement continued. “Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated President Trump’s wish for the conclusion of the war, affirming that President Trump is the only global leader positioned to facilitate a fair and enduring peace.”
“President Trump reminded the Prime Minister that the conflict should never have begun and would not have if he had been in office at the time.”
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Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump had a recent phone call, according to the White House. (Getty Images)
The leaders further addressed the topic of U.S. border security, which has been a sensitive issue for Canadian officials since Trump imposed tariffs in response to drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canada border. On February 3, Trump agreed to suspend the tariffs for 30 days, with the expectation that they would resume in early March.
During the conversation, Trudeau asserted that Canada has achieved a 90% decrease in fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. from Canada and mentioned that his nation’s border czar would be visiting Washington next week for discussions with U.S. border chief Tom Homan.
Trump and Trudeau’s relationship has been tense in recent weeks, primarily due to the tariffs and Trump’s expressed interest in incorporating Canada as a U.S. territory. Earlier in February, Trudeau remarked that he believes Trump is serious about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
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President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Feb. 18, 2025. (AP)
“I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have, but that may be even why they keep talking about absorbing us and making us the 51st state,” Trudeau noted, as reported by CBC. “They’re very aware of our resources, of what we possess, and they are eager to benefit from those.”
Previously, Trump voiced his grievances about the trade deficit with Canada, asserting that “there is no justification” for such an imbalance.
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“We don’t need anything they have,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “We have limitless energy, can produce our own cars, and possess more lumber than we could ever use. Without this massive subsidy, Canada could cease to exist as a viable nation. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s true!
“Thus, Canada should become our cherished 51st state,” Trump emphasized. “With significantly reduced taxes, and superior military protection for Canadians – AND NO TARIFFS!”
On Thursday, Trudeau responded playfully after Canada triumphed in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall Dec. 20, 2024, in Ottawa. (Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images)
“You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game,” Trudeau tweeted on X.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
