I did watch the meeting with interest and I have my opinion of what actually happened there. Whether I am right or not remains to be seen. What I saw happen between the lines was perhaps of greater importance. Trump did not merely call attention to the beautiful room, the "24 caret gold", the "beautiful pictures" now hanging in the room, as a boastful or proud display. Trump is a very careful man, exacting in his speech to produce an effect on his hearers if they are listening. He wanted Carney along with all, everyone listening and watching this exchange throughout the world, to understand that this was indeed a special place—Holy ground, so to speak — and was to be respected. It was not a place for everybody. Only those who would respect it. Note his allusion to Zalinski, although he did not mention him by name. Trump wanted Carney to understand that he was in a special place and he was being warned to respect that. It could go well if he did and if not, well, it might not go so well. I watched Carney's expression the whole time to see if he "got it" or not. I saw Trump not acknowledge his wanting to interject his comments. Perhaps to let what Trump was telling him between the lines to have time to sink in. In the end, Carney could not hold it back and revealed his game. He wanted to be seen by the world and especially his constituents, to be in control, which he clearly was not. I did not see the exchange as necessarily friendly. It was a warning to Carney. Play well and all will end well. My opinion? Trump would prefer to see the tariffs Canada has been imposing on the US, lifted completely. Just like many other nations are now trying to do. Zero tariffs across the board.

The Chestnut Mare