Shark Tank star and businessman Kevin O’Leary said he helped Alberta Premier Danielle Smith achieve something “no other Canadian politician” currently has with President-elect Donald Trump, which is vital amid negotiating disagreements between Canada and the United States.
O’Leary, who recently traveled with Smith to Mar-a-Lago, explained how the discussions between him, Trump, and Smith were largely about how Alberta is “the No. 1 trading partner” of the U.S. The discussion came as Trump has threatened to apply a 25% tariff on Canada ahead of his return to the White House, with some Canadian CEOs discussing their own tariffs in response.
Great day with the #President. A gracious host. And, he shot a 68! My recommendation, try the Trump Burger! @ABDanielleSmith @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/bzKv1bViMF
— Kevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) January 12, 2025
“Trump wants to build the pipeline, she’s the queen bee of the pipeline, I wanted her to have a personal relationship with Trump and the administration,” O’leary said on Fox News Business’s Varney & Co. “The only way to do it was to go to Mar-a-Lago. That woman knows how to work a room, that’s exactly what she did over two days, and I think she now has something no other Canadian politician has right now: a personal relationship.”
O’Leary further explained that building this relationship before Trump enters office is highly important despite the current rocky conditions between Canada and the U.S., as this is only “the beginning” of the negotiation process.
Beyond discussing tariffs, data centers, and the pipeline, O’Leary also suggested to Trump that he “stop talking” to outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation earlier this month. He added that “a red wave” is occurring across Canada, similar to what happened in the U.S. during the 2024 election cycle, and to hold off on negotiations until after Canada elects its new leader.
“Hold off on the tariffs for, like, 90 days, 100 days,” O’Leary said. “We’ll see what happens. I hope it didn’t land on deaf ears.”
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Ahead of his inauguration next week, the president-elect has met with many officials and several world leaders at his Florida resort, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), the first Democratic senator to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Trump has since reflected on his meeting with Fetterman, whom he deemed a fascinating man, telling the Washington Examiner that Fetterman is “just a commonsense person.”
Trump will return to the White House on Jan. 20. However, before that, he will travel to California to survey the damage that wildfires have caused in Los Angeles. His visit comes as he has called on Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) to resign from office following his response and handling of the fires.
