Canada and U.S. have spoken ‘within the past few days’ about potential deal: Trade Rep. Greer

Summary

• U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed recent communications between Canada & the U.S. regarding a mutually beneficial trade deal.
• President Donald Trump & Prime Minister Mark Carney maintain regular contact, though Greer declined to provide a specific timeline for the agreement.
• Ambassador Pete Hoekstra previously suggested a potential trade deal could be finalized before the end of 2026.
• The U.S. is prioritizing supply chain protection over the return to unfettered free trade with Canada.
• Republican losses in the recent U.S. midterm elections included the House & Senate, with voters citing import taxes & inflation as key factors.
• Greer defended the tariff strategy by stating that gas, oil, & food remain exempt from tariffs.
• The administration plans to continue trade actions as necessary while seeking tariff stability, which Greer attributes to being hindered by lawsuits from Democrat attorney generals.
• Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed characterized the tariff war with Canada as "insane" & expressed willingness to help end it.
• The incoming Democratic-controlled Congress may introduce legislation to alter Trump's tariff policies starting in January.
• Greer expressed openness to collaborating with Democrats on tariffs, citing nuanced language from some members of Congress that could be helpful.