Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a pointed rebuke Thursday after President Donald Trump claimed Canada only survives thanks to the United States — a remark that quickly drew backlash north of the border.
Trump made the comment a day earlier during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he took aim at Carney for urging “middle powers” to cooperate in order to avoid being bullied by Washington.
“They should be grateful to U.S., Canada,” Trump said. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
Carney didn’t mention Trump by name when he responded, but his message was unmistakable.
“Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in rich cultural exchange,” Carney said. “But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
The response was a clear rejection of Trump’s framing — one that acknowledged the deep ties between the two countries while forcefully pushing back on the suggestion that Canada’s success depends on American goodwill.
Carney’s remarks underscored a broader concern among U.S. allies about Trump’s increasingly transactional approach to diplomacy, particularly as he pressures partner nations to fall in line with Washington’s priorities.
Trump appeared unmoved by the pushback. Later, he announced that Canada would no longer be invited to join his newly unveiled “Board of Peace,” an international initiative he has been pitching to foreign governments.
The exchange highlighted growing tension between Trump and America’s closest neighbors as his administration ramps up confrontational rhetoric on the world stage.
For Carney, the message was simple and unambiguous. Canada values its partnership with the United States — but it does not owe its existence to it.
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