Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to a sweeping set of U.S. demands to stave off tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. The deal, struck late Monday, gives Canada a 30-day reprieve from major economic penalties in exchange for a $1.3 billion border security overhaul and a series of tough new measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
Trudeau confirmed the agreement in a social media post, outlining a series of commitments, including the deployment of nearly 10,000 personnel to the border, the creation of a U.S.-Canada Joint Strike Force, and the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” to crack down on deadly drug smuggling. Additionally, Canada has pledged $200 million for intelligence operations and will officially list cartels as terrorist organizations—an extraordinary policy shift for the Trudeau government.
“I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl,” Trudeau announced Monday. “Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.”
“In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”
The announcement marks a striking reversal for Trudeau, who has long resisted Trump’s push for stronger border enforcement and tougher action on fentanyl trafficking. With economic pressure mounting and U.S. tariffs looming, the Canadian government folded, agreeing to a deal that mirrors many of the policies Trump has championed.
Trump confirmed the agreement in a post on Truth Social, declaring, “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans.”
