President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Tuesday at the White House amid growing strains in one of the world’s most enduring alliances. The leaders discussed trade, tariffs, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during the Oval Office session.

Trump described the U.S.-Canada relationship as having “mutual love” but also “natural conflict,” signaling both cooperation and underlying friction. “We could renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we can just do different deals,” he said. “We’re allowed to do different deals.”

Carney, on his second visit to the U.S. as prime minister, sought to ease tensions created by Trump’s sector-specific tariffs, including 50% levies on steel and aluminum. “There are areas where we compete, and it’s in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works,” Carney said. “But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Trump, who previously clashed with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, praised Carney as a “world class leader” and “a tough negotiator.” “We want Canada to do great,” he said. “But you know, there’s a point at which we also want the same business.”

The talks come as Canada prepares for the USMCA review next year. Carney aims to secure relief from tariffs and maintain the free flow of goods, which currently keeps over 85% of bilateral trade tariff-free. Despite this, Canadian officials and businesses remain wary, with former Canadian ambassador Frank McKenna warning of public frustration: “There is an outright rebellion,” he said, citing changes in travel and business plans in response to U.S. policies.

Daily trade between the two nations exceeds $2.5 billion, spanning energy, metals, and critical minerals, emphasizing the high stakes of the discussions. While the meeting was cordial, it highlighted the delicate balance between cooperation and contention that continues to define U.S.-Canada relations.