Trump, Carney discuss Golden Dome and defense cooperation
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Trump and Canada’s PM Carney discussed expanding defense ties and collaboration on the Golden Dome missile defense system during White House talks.
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President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office of the White House on October 7, 2025 in Washington. (AP)
US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks at the White House on Tuesday to discuss strengthening defense and security cooperation, including collaboration on the planned Golden Dome missile defense system, Canadian Minister for Canada–US Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said.
“The discussion that followed was around enhancing and strengthening our defense and security relationship in a whole series of areas,” LeBlanc told reporters after the meeting.
He added that the Golden Dome project — a new US-led defense network — was raised by Trump during the talks.
“We have indicated that we want to be a constructive partner as the Americans elaborate the details … those conversations are ongoing,” LeBlanc said.
Trump told reporters earlier he would discuss lowering tariffs with Carney, expressing that “We’re looking at reducing tariffs on some key sectors: energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, to strengthen our economic ties."
Small businesses are reportedly bearing the brunt of the trade dispute, with many struggling under the weight of retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada in response to US measures. Business owners argue that these countermeasures, while politically symbolic, are proving more damaging domestically than the original US restrictions.
Carney acknowledged in mid-July that progress in the negotiations remained limited. He noted that several critical sectors, including steel, aluminum, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, continue to face major hurdles, making a fully tariff-free deal unlikely in the short term.
Golden Dome: A new North American defense initiative
The Golden Dome system, announced by Trump in May, is envisioned as an integrated land, sea, and space-based missile defense network. According to Trump, the system will be operational before the end of his second term in office.
Reports by CNN have indicated that the first major testing phase of the Golden Dome is expected by late 2028.
The White House has described the initiative as a strategic effort to modernize North American defense and strengthen cooperation with key allies, including Canada.
