Canada’s premiers went to Washington, D.C., this week full of bluster and bravado, intending to lecture American lawmakers about the folly of tariffs. Instead, they ended up getting sucked into the chaotic vortex around U.S. President Donald Trump, returning home none the wiser about the president’s true intentions.

The premiers did manage to get a meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called it a very generous sign of respect. “People don’t get last-minute meetings like this and we’re very grateful,” said Ford. “It just shows the relationship that we have and the respect they have for Canada.”