Carney says Trump admin’s Canada insults are ‘not productive’

U.S. officials' insults directed at Canada are "not productive" in resolving the ongoing trade war between the two historically friendly nations, stated Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday. Two members of President Donald Trump's cabinet, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, made disparaging remarks about Canada's military and its inability to retaliate against U.S. tariffs during a bitter trade dispute.

Hegseth posted a message on X that mocked the physical appearance of an overweight Canadian soldier, while Bessent joked about Canada's military capabilities during a televised interview about the ongoing trade dispute.

Carney emphasized that such remarks are "beneath their office" and "not constructive." He acknowledged that the remarks represent the democratic nature of the U.S. but urged the Americans to stop engaging in "memes," "shades," and "tough talk" and instead focus on having serious discussions about the trade war. The poll results showed strong support for Carney's tough stance against the U.S. pressure, as evidenced by the Liberal Party's victory in three parliamentary by-elections on Monday.

Carney concluded that Canadians have given their support to the government's plan to address the trade dispute.