In Joint Press Conference, Trump and Trudeau Artfully Dodge Immigration Differences

In a joint press conference this afternoon with Canadia Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, that the U.S. and Canada share “values” – certainly an arguable point, given Trump’s highly criticized Muslim ban, especially when contrasted with Canada’s much more open policy of welcome.

Trudeau had sent this tweet after Trump’s Muslim ban:

Watch courtesy of the White House (begins at the 43:11 mark):

“In these dangerous times,” Trump said, reading from prepared remarks, the U.S. is thankful for Canada’s efforts to combat ISIS and “work in common cause” against terrorism, which he stressed is a huge threat, though he also promised to deal with North Korea “very, very strongly.”

A very low-key Trump called for close coordination to “protect jobs in our hemisphere and keep wealth on our continent and keep everyone safe.” He pledged to work with Trudeau in a number of areas, including trade and international and domestic security.

In contrast to Trump’s almost somber tone, Trudeau was upbeat and spoke in both English and French. He also spoke of the “unique” relationship enjoyed by the two nations, calling them “fundamentally linked” and “totally integrated.”

Trudeau like Trump spoke of mutual respect and noted that two nations do not always agree on everything, but said that despite these differences, each will remain the other’s “essential partner.”

Though he focused on economic ties, Trudeau also brought up environmental treaties between the two nations. He talked not only of the energy sector but also of the environment, words which must have been much less pleasing to Trump’s ears, as the president completely ignored environmental concerns in his own brief remarks.

The Canadian Prime Minister said the US and Canada are a model of “how to be good neighbors,” a far cry from what Mexico is seeing on the other side of the United States, though Trump promised improved relations with Mexico.

Both men dodged questions about any potential differences between them regarding security and immigration, and when asked, given their conflicting views, if he felt the northern border is secure, Trump said he was “totally confident” though earlier in the press conference he had seemed less certain.

Seemingly unable to speak without plugging himself, the insecure Trump also stressed his “very large electoral college vote” that in fact was one of the lowest margins in history, and that he was doing what people wanted in “getting criminals out” and “not let the wrong people in.”

This meant, of course, stressing that “A lot of people are very, very happy right now.”

Trudeau, more on point if no less evasive, said Canada “continues to pursue its policies of openness without compromising security.” Trudeau very carefully avoided criticizing Trump’s harsh immigration policies and said it was not for Canada to lecture the U.S. but rather to continue to reflect Canada’s approach and stay true to its own values.

This was at the least a veiled reference to differences between the two countries, and as much of a criticism as we are likely to see from the Canadia Prime Minister outside of the tweet made immediately after it was announced, when even then did not directly reference Trump’s actions.