The National Post reports in its Tuesday, Aug. 11, edition that Canada's Defence Minister was asked if the United States would receive preferential treatment for military equipment purchases in a trade agreement with the Trump administration. The Post's John Ivison writes that David McGuinty said that because he is not at the negotiating table, he doesn't comment on those negotiations. But in all likelihood, the minister does not yet know the implications of the discussions linking trade to procurement. Ottawa once mulled reducing its order of 88 Lockheed Martin F35s by half and including Saab Gripen fighters. However, President Donald Trump's threat of 50-per-cent tariffs on Canadian goods as of Aug. 19 could change everything. It is a delicate moment for the Carney government -- and the Prime Minister himself. A deal with Trump, if such a thing exists, seems within reach. But its consummation may require a Faustian pact that shatters the PM's reputation for grit and competence. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll shows only 7 per cent of Canadians support the government yielding to U.S. demands to avoid tariffs. Support for the PM delivering a good deal has also declined since April.