Trump reverses course and supports Canada-China trade deal

President Trump said he supports a trade agreement between Canada and China, after his administration earlier issued mixed messages about the deal.

President Donald Trump said he supports a trade agreement between Canada and China after reporters asked about an announced deal between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump told reporters at the White House that "If you can get a deal with China, you should do that." Earlier in the day, members of his administration gave different public comments about the same deal. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC that the agreement was "problematic for Canada" and cited tariffs on Chinese cars. What is reported: - President Trump told reporters he thought it was fine for Canada to make a deal with China, saying countries should pursue such agreements. - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the deal as "problematic for Canada" during a CNBC interview earlier the same day. - Greer said U.S. tariffs limit Chinese car sales in the United States and described those tariffs as protection for American auto workers. - At the Detroit Economic Club this week, Trump said he welcomed Chinese automakers building plants and hiring workers in the United States. Summary: The statements reflect differing messages from the White House and other U.S. officials about the Canada-China trade agreement. The report does not describe any immediate policy changes or next procedural steps. Undetermined at this time.