Trump praises Canadian separatists amid delicate trade talks
President Trump applauded Quebec's new separatist premier Tuesday, continuing to jab at Ottawa despite fragile trade talks that seemed to be gaining momentum. The big picture: Even as Trump's top economic adviser suggested a deal to ease the ongoing trade war is possible, the president has continue to antagonize Canada. The U.S. recently accused Canada of trying to influence American elections…
President Trump lauded Quebec's newly elected separatist leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, on Tuesday while pressuring Ottawa to maintain trade relations, despite a growing trade war. The U.S. has accused Canada of attempting to sway American elections through tariffs, a claim Canadian officials deny. While Trump's economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, said negotiations with Canada are starting to gain traction, the president has continued to criticize Canada, even from the campaign trail.
St-Pierre Plamondon vowed to hold a third Quebec independence referendum, though he insisted it wouldn't occur until after Trump leaves office. Quebec's Parti Québécois won 60 of 127 seats in a recent vote, short of a majority and would likely need separatist support to advance the referendum. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stressed the importance of national unity as the country faces hostility from the American president.
Trump also congratulated British Columbia's new premier, Lorne Doerkson, after his Conservative party gained ground in the province.
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