President Donald Trump appeared energized and confident on Friday as he addressed Canada’s Mark Carney and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, projecting strength after forcing both nations to negotiate under tough tariffs.
The leaders met privately for nearly an hour after Trump’s appearance, marking the first in-person discussions between Trump and Sheinbaum and the first private sit-down with Carney since he cut off trade talks with Canada in October.
Despite steep tariff battles, Trump showed no hesitation in engaging diplomatically with the two leaders. The U.S. slapped a 35 percent tariff on Canadian imports, a 25 percent duty on Mexican goods, and additional levies on key exports, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, lumber, and copper.
Trump was observed speaking to Carney and Sheinbaum during the event by a forensic lip reader who interpreted several exchanges. Jeremy Freeman, a U.K.-based expert witness who studies filmed speech, provided details of their conversations.
According to the lip reader, Trump maintained a relaxed, confident tone during the high-stakes summit. He smiled and spoke casually while the leaders watched the World Cup performance.
“I love this,” Trump said to Carney as they observed the show, the expert claimed. Trump appeared unfazed by tense trade negotiations, projecting control as he interacted with both leaders.
Freeman said Trump encouraged his wife, Melania, to enjoy the moment as well, even while navigating international politics. The expert claimed the president gestured toward the performance and asked his wife to join him.
“Come on, join in,” Trump said, according to the analysis.
The forensic interpretation suggested that Trump used the atmosphere to ease diplomatic tensions. His brief comments about the music created a casual opening before transitioning into policy discussions, per the New York Post.
The World Cup draw served as an unusual diplomatic venue, placing three North American trade rivals together for a global sports event. Trump’s remarks indicated that despite heavy economic conflict, negotiations are moving forward.
“We are getting along,” Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center.
He confirmed future discussions with both leaders. “I think we have a meeting set up for some time after the event,” Trump said, signaling that diplomacy will continue on American terms.
Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, previously noted that Trump’s use of the song “YMCA” brought “joy to the American people,” pointing to a cultural moment that the president has repeatedly embraced at rallies and events.
The expert lip reader suggested that Trump used the performance to highlight that connection and display confidence in front of both leaders.
The U.S., Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup, placing all three governments in close cooperation ahead of the tournament.
Friday’s meeting showed Trump leveraging cultural influence and hard-line tariff pressure at the same time, establishing both dominance and outreach on the world stage.
Behind the musical moment was a strategic display of strength. Trump’s trade rivals watched, negotiated and left Washington, preparing for what comes next under America’s terms.
