JD Vance reportedly mocks Carney for trying to ‘out-tough’ Trump on trade

A leaked audio recording from a donor event has JD Vance, the US vice-president, ridiculing Canada for caving in a trade deal while trying to "out-tough" Donald Trump. The tape, shared with Canadian Press, was made during a New York fundraiser. The vice-president is heard telling supporters that Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, "comes in and puffs his chest out and says: ‘I’m going to, like, out-tough Donald Trump.’"

Vance finds it amusing as Carney is presenting it as a victory for Canada, when in reality, they have compromised on various issues. The audio is not likely to improve the relationship between the two delegations, especially at a critical time. Canadian officials have reported that a deal is near, which might involve allowing US alcohol sales across Canada in exchange for avoiding the worst of Trump's tariffs.

Initially, Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canada on August 19th, but he later postponed the tariffs for three days. In July, the White House stated that the tariffs were a retaliation for Canada's discriminatory treatment against US alcohol sales, which include bans in eight out of 10 provinces and all three territories, following Trump's initial threats against Canada.

The move has severely impacted US wine, beer, and spirits producers. Canadian imports of US alcohol have plummeted by around 81% compared to last year. Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba and Tim Houston of Nova Scotia mentioned that Carney had asked the provinces to resume importing US alcohol. Kinew urged Canadians to continue boycotting US products, instead purchasing Canadian goods.

Kinew expressed respect for Carney's defiance against Trump and believed that Canada should remain firm in the negotiations, stating that "very wise people have said you can't get a good deal with a bad person, and I think that rule applies here."