Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau avoided directly criticizing Donald Trump on Monday, suggesting he’d work with him should the controversial Republican front-runner make it to the White House.
“We will work alongside our neighbors and allies regardless of the political choices they make,” Trudeau said during a Huffington Post town hall, speaking of the U.S.-Canada relationship.
{mosads}”There have been lots of times in the past where the ideologies of president and prime minister haven’t perfectly matched up where there’s been a very constructive and positive relationship,” Trudeau said.
The Liberal Party leader made a passing reference to a campaign in Canada to attract Americans to an island off its Atlantic coast if Trump wins.
“The fact is Cape Breton is lovely, all times of the year,” Trudeau said to laughs. “If people do want to make choices that perhaps suit their lifestyles better, Canada’s always welcoming.”
Asked about a slew of controversial positions advocated by Trump including torture and barring Muslims from the U.S., Trudeau refused to denounce the GOP candidate, instead acknowledging the outspoken businessman’s appeal.
“I think if I were American I would be asking questions right now about why is it that so many people are angry at your politics? Why is it that so many people are so disenfranchised with your democracy that they seem to be acting out, lashing out?” Trudeau asked.
“I’m not going to pick a fight with Donald Trump right now. I’m not gonna support him either, obviously. But I am watching very, very carefully to see this, I think, important moment in the United States, in the greatest democracy in the world,” he added when pressed to condemn the GOP front-runner.
Trudeau, 44, who has had a budding diplomatic relationship with President Obama, will visit the White House for a state dinner Thursday. Trudeau suggested Trump might tone down his rhetoric if he wins the presidency.
“Let’s see if the things that he needed to say in order to win, secure, the Republican nomination are the same things he chooses to say in order to win the presidency, if that’s what happens,” Trudeau said.
He added he had “faith” in Americans and their approach to politics.