Trump Adviser Blames Canada for Strained Relations: ‘Kept Making It Worse and Worse With Their Rhetoric’

Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett blamed Canada for the deterioration in relations with the U.S.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly called America’s northern neighbor “the 51st state” and referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor.” Tensions have thawed somewhat after Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed power in an unexpected Liberal Party victory that political analysts have attributed to Trump’s demeaning rhetoric. Carney visited the White House last week and reiterated his government’s position that Canada “won’t be for sale.” The two also spoke about the tariffs Trump has slapped on goods from Canada.

Appearing on CNBC’s Closing Bell Overtime on Monday, Hassett pinned the blame on Canada for the icy relationship, particularly on Carney’s predecessor.

“I’m hearing anecdotally about a lot of damage in demand from Canada, for example, just because in part of the breakdown in sentiment and in feeling between us and them,” host Jon Fortt noted. “Are you hearing the same, and what do you expect to happen from here?”

Hassett responded by pointing the finger north of the border:

No, I think that, again, there were some difficult times. I think that Justin Trudeau and the President didn’t exactly get along, and Canada kept making it worse and worse with their rhetoric. But now I think that we’ve had the prime minister come in and meet the president and begin a new, closer relationship. So, I’m sure everything will work out fine with Canada in the end.

And don’t forget that exempting the USMCA part of trade was a really, really big plus for Canada. And so, they’ve been treated very, very well throughout this renormalization of trade relations.

Watch above via CNBC.