President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Canadians will once again flock to the United States following the resolution of ongoing trade negotiations, despite current tensions that have led to a significant decline in Canadian visits. Trump acknowledged the frustration among Canadians, attributing it to his remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st state to avoid tariffs, which has sparked widespread anger and a 23% drop in Canadian travel to the U.S. in the first seven months of this year compared to 2024, according to Canada’s national statistical office.

“I understand that. Look, I understand that,” Trump said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office. “It’s something that will get worked out. There’s still great love between the two countries but you know American people want product here, they want to make it here,” he added, highlighting competition for business between the nations.

Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming a U.S. state have alienated many Canadians, contributing to canceled trips. “The people of Canada, they will love us again,” Trump predicted. “Most of them still do. If you say only 25%. I assume a lot of them. I think they love us.”

Carney, visiting the White House for the second time, responded positively, saying “It’s not bad. They’ll come back.” The prime minister sought relief on sector-specific tariffs, including 50% levies on steel and aluminum imports under U.S. Section 232 tariffs.

Talks focused on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), critical to Canada’s economy with over three-quarters of its exports destined for the U.S. Trump expressed openness to renegotiating the deal or pursuing “different deals” beneficial to individual countries. “We could renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we can just do different deals,” he said.

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister for U.S. trade, described discussions as “successful” and “positive,” aiming for swift resolution on steel and aluminum tariffs. Trump noted a “natural conflict” between the nations, a characterization Carney diplomatically disputed. “There are areas where we compete, and it’s in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that’s what we’re focused on,” Carney said.

Former Canadian ambassador Frank McKenna lamented the current state of relations, calling it the lowest point he’s witnessed. “I talk every day to ordinary citizens who are changing their vacation plans, and I talk to large business owners who are moving reward trips away or executive business trips,” McKenna said, describing an “outright rebellion”.