Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Criticizes U.S. Approach in Trade Negotiations

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on September 2, 2026, that Americans need to "stop trying to be tough" during ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney addressed the contentious discussions regarding automobile tariffs, saying, "When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions, we can have those discussions."</p><p>Carney remarked that the current approach is not constructive, adding, "but that's their democracy." Following Canada's suspension of trade talks on August 21, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America.</p><p>U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and War Secretary Pete Hegseth also made social media posts that mocked Canada, with Bessent suggesting Canada could not compete with the U.S. economy. Carney responded to the mocking of the Canadian military by saying, "It's beneath their office." He noted that the U.S. posture and terms in negotiations have created barriers to reaching a deal.</p><p>Carney highlighted issues related to language, culture, and restrictions on future trade deals as significant factors hindering negotiations. He stated that the U.S. attitude in discussions has suggested that core Canadian industries would either become subsidiaries of U.S. industries or face terms that would gradually wind down in Canada, which Canada is unwilling to accept.</p><p>In response to Carney's suspension of negotiations, Trump accused Canada of wanting the benefits of being a state without being one and claimed that Canada has been taking advantage of the U.S. by imposing tariffs on U.S. farmers.</p><p>Carney expressed that the U.S. insistence on controlling who Canada trades with was unacceptable and described the U.S. view of the trade relationship as "misguided." He emphasized the importance of cooperation among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in the auto industry, stating, "The United States auto industry is made stronger by the Canadian and the Mexican auto industries."</p><p>Carney indicated that there were elements of a mutually beneficial deal that were being discussed, but he noted that the negotiations diverged towards the end. He mentioned that relations with the U.S. will not return to normal soon, describing the current situation as a "new normal that we have to get adjusted to."</p><p>In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Carney announced that Canada would impose its own set of tariffs, which he stated would match the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar. These Canadian levies are set to take effect on September 8, 2026.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Treasury, the Pentagon, and the Canadian Prime Minister's Office for further comment.</p>