PM Mark Carney avoids confirming trust in Trump, calls him “transformational,” while focusing on trade strategy and evolving U.S.-Canada relations.
Prime Minister Carney Sidesteps on Trump Trust, Focuses on Trade Tactics
In his first major interview since visiting Washington, Prime Minister Mark Carney declined to directly answer whether he trusts U.S. President Donald Trump as a negotiating partner, opting instead to emphasize strategy, pragmatism, and shifting global dynamics.
Speaking with CTV News’ Vassy Kapelos, Carney repeatedly underscored the importance of negotiation over sentiment, stating, “I will work with him and negotiate with him, yeah,” when asked directly about trust.
“Transformational President”: Compliment or Caution?
During their Oval Office meeting, Carney referred to Trump as a “transformational president”, a remark that raised eyebrows. When pressed by Kapelos on whether that term was meant positively or negatively, Carney offered a diplomatic response: “Yin and yang, there’s both.”
“Look, I said what I said,” he added, choosing not to elaborate further.
USMCA on the Table, But Not Yet in Play
With the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) set for review in 2026—and potentially sooner—Carney framed the current trade framework as flawed yet advantageous.
“It is not right that it’s being violated, but it is still an advantage that it exists,” Carney said, signaling a readiness to engage in sector-by-sector discussions rather than pursuing immediate broad renegotiation.
A Changing Relationship with the U.S.
Carney made clear that the traditional Canada-U.S. relationship as it was once known is effectively “over.” Instead, he outlined a strategy of diversifying Canada’s global trade relationships and reducing dependency on American markets.
“The way the global economy is working is changing. We need to change,” Carney asserted. “Sovereign nation to sovereign nation—that’s what I’m pursuing.”
Cabinet Moves Reflect U.S. Trade Priorities
The prime minister also acknowledged that Trump’s presence influenced recent cabinet decisions. He pointed to assigning Dominic LeBlanc responsibilities for U.S. trade and “One Canadian Economy,” citing LeBlanc’s close ties with American officials.
Carney defended his broader cabinet reshuffle, including Anita Anand’s move to foreign affairs, as a balance between “fresh energy” and experience. “There’s experience being deployed in different ways,” he said.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest insights on Canada’s foreign policy, trade dynamics, and political leadership.
