Maggie Haberman, a national political correspondent, expressed uncertainty regarding whether President Trump has defined “real specific consequences” in response to tariffs imposed by other countries.
During a segment with Anderson Cooper on CNN, Haberman reacted to the recent meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kearney, which comes amid rising tensions caused by Canada’s tariffs.
“Is it clear what outcome he’s looking for?” Cooper inquired.
“No,” Haberman answered. “I’m not convinced he knows what exact outcome he’s aiming for. The US can claim victory, but that may not be the perception elsewhere.”
These comments follow Trump’s remarks about not wanting cars from Canada and the announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian products.
Trump stated from the Oval Office, “At some point, it’s economically meaningless for Canada to build those cars. We really don’t want Canadian steel or aluminum, or a lot of other things.”
Haberman noted that, even if there is progress with Canada, many other US trade partners might simply view it as a structural framework for transactions.
“Trump would assert, ‘We won, this is what I wanted,’” she explained, adding that this wouldn’t represent a formal trade agreement.
“These negotiations often take months or years,” she observed. “He may find some sort of escape route, but I doubt he clearly knows what he wants beyond the headline declaring success.”
Trump’s announcement of “liberation day” tariffs on April 2 sent shockwaves through the global market, leading him to impose a 90-day suspension of mutual tariffs on all countries neighboring China, in the hope of encouraging negotiations.
The administration remains optimistic about reaching a deal, with allies like India, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union actively engaging in discussions with the US.
The meeting with Carney followed closely on the heels of Canada’s recent election, where experts suggest that Trump’s tariff intentions and discussions surrounding Canadian acquisitions played a significant role in Carney’s electoral victory.
While the meeting was overshadowed by Trump’s tariffs, the president minimized the possibility of Canada evading existing tariffs, indicating that any future negotiations would not lead to traditional trade agreements.
