Media cast Trump as a liar after he explains trade conversation with Justin Trudeau

The news media said they caught President Trump admitting to lying after he reportedly told a group of supporters at a private fundraiser that he free-wheeled trade talks with Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau without knowing all the facts.

Further into his remarks, however, Trump indicated he was referring only to goods traded between the U.S. and Canada, for which data from the U.S. International Trade Commission shows that in 2017 the U.S. had a trade deficit of $17.5 billion.

When services and goods are combined, the U.S. has a trade surplus with Canada. The Office of the United States Trade Representative website says, “The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with Canada was $12.5 billion,” at least in 2016.

Trump appeared to be emphasizing the deficit on goods and omitting services that the U.S. exports to Canada.

“‘Well, sir, you’re actually right,’” Trump continued in his comments at the fundraiser, according to the Post. “‘We have no deficit, but that doesn’t include energy and timber. … And when you do, we lose $17 billion a year.’ It’s incredible.”

More From The Washington Examiner: