Trump Praises Quebec's Separatist Premier as Carney Describes Slight Progress in Trade Talks

President Donald Trump on Tuesday applauded Quebec's new separatist premier, even as U.S.-Canada trade talks showed signs of movement. Quebec's newly elected separatist government accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of sidelining the province at a major European Union summit, and Trump congratulated the new leadership, according to reports. Axios said the praise came as the White House's top economic adviser suggested a deal to ease the trade war was possible. It also said the U.S. had recently accused Canada of trying to influence American elections.

On Monday, October 26, eight days before the U.S. midterm elections, Carney said talks had seen a "slight, slight intensification." He said any progress was because Washington was moving toward Canada's position, which he said had not changed. White House adviser Kevin Hassett had suggested the countries were close to a deal. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc's office said Canada remained in "constructive dialogue." Asked whether Trump would "sign in pen," Carney said he did not know. Canada rejected U.S. terms in August, with Carney saying they crossed Canadian red lines. Trump then imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods, and Canada retaliated.

Newsmax, the right-leaning outlet, leads with Trump cheering the Quebec premier and the province's complaint about the EU summit. Its coverage centers on the Quebec-Ottawa dispute and Carney's standing, and the excerpt gives little trade-talk detail. Left-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while right-leaning and alternative outlets had. Alternative coverage differs in emphasis. Axios ties Trump's praise to the fragile talks and the election-influence accusation. The Hindu focuses on Carney's trade remarks, Hassett's comments and the tariff history.