Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says “of course” he respects and trusts President Donald Trump.
Global News interviewed Trudeau on Friday night about his feelings towards Trump and how he views his relationship with the president.
“I think my job is to work with any president, and one always respects the office,” Trudeau told Global National’s Vassy Kapelos.
After repeatedly asking Trudeau if he respected Trump, Trudeau blurted out: “Of course.” When the subject moved from respect to trust, Trudeau squirmed in his seat some more and tried to avoid answering a query on whether he trusts Trump.
“You know what? I’m going to work with the president on what’s in the best interest of Canadians,” he said.
“And I trust him to be focused on what’s in the best interest of Americans.”
The entire Trudeau interview will air on Sunday, in which the prime minister discusses not only the cross-border relationship and a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement, but also Trudeau’s continuing political fight with the Canadian Senate.
Trudeau has surprised many Canadians with his largely respectful dealings with Trump; he has even compared himself to Trump on several occasions, saying he shares the president’s concern for middle-class taxpayers.
Though Trudeau has defended U.S. foreign policy, he continues to promote a socially liberal agenda at home that includes legalized marijuana, foreign aid for abortions and special legislation for LGBTQ groups, including a new law this week that recognizes “gender identify.”
Trudeau has also established a friendship with Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.