A joking exchange between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was caught on a hot mic during a summit of world leaders in Egypt, thought to be a jab at former Canadian leader Justin Trudeau.
Why It Matters
Trump had a strained relationship with Trudeau, and labeled the former Canadian leader the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Carney was sworn in as Trudeau’s replacement in March while remarking Ottawa would “never” become a part of the U.S., after Trump repeatedly called Canada the “51st state.”
What To Know
Still standing close to a microphone after asking journalists to leave, Carney approached Trump and said: “I’m glad you upgraded me to president.”
“At least I didn’t say governor,” Trump responded, while jokingly covering his mouth and lightheartedly slapping Carney’s arm.
In previous remarks to the media, Trump had said “the president of Canada had called” to ask about the Monday summit hosted in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, to which Carney visibly jerked his head in confusion while stood on the stage with Trump.
“I appreciate you being here very much, Mr. President,” Trump added as he turned to address Carney.
Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday returned the 20 living hostages held in Gaza for more than two years to Israel, while Israeli authorities released close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners after pulling back military forces in the strip to control roughly half of the territory.
Militants led by Hamas crossed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed around 1,200 people, taking another 251 as hostages into the strip. Israel then launched its war on the territory, and Hamas health authorities in Gaza say more than 67,000 people have been killed there since the conflict began. This figure does not distinguish between combatants and civilians and is disputed by Israeli officials, but is widely cited by Western sources.
The exchange on Monday was greeted by jubilation in Israel as well as in Gaza and the West Bank, but in a mark of a tough road still ahead, Israel warned Hamas not to violate the first phase of the U.S.-brokered deal when the militant group handed over the remains of four deceased hostages. Hamas was expected to deliver the bodies of 28 hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza.
Carney visited the White House earlier this month for a trip that failed to yield concrete progress toward a trade deal, but did showcase a more friendly tone from Trump toward Carney than the Republican typically leveled at Trudeau.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump earlier this month hailed Carney as “a world-class leader” and remarked: “We have great love for each other.”
What Happens Next
Negotiations for the next phase of the U.S. proposal for Gaza are underway.
