Carney Tells Trump to "Stop Trying to Be Tough" as Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Stall

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he still believes there is a "mutually beneficial" trade deal to be reached with the United States, but suggested Washington needs to take the negotiations more seriously, Brian Patt reported for Bloomberg News.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the United States must take a more serious approach to trade negotiations as tensions between the two countries escalate. (Photo: The White House)

Carney, speaking to reporters in Ottawa, was asked about President Donald Trump's move to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America," along with comments from US officials criticizing Canada's military and economy.

"There's a positive opportunity that has always existed with the US for a mutually beneficial trade deal that respects Canadian sovereignty," Carney said.

"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."

Asked specifically about remarks from members of Trump's administration criticizing Canada's armed forces, Carney called the comments "beneath their office."

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an image involving two women participating in a Canadian youth cadet program, drawing criticism in Canada.

Earlier, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mocked Canada's military capabilities by referring to the country's two submarines and joking that they could be taken from the West Edmonton Mall and used against the United States.

The remarks came as trade tensions between the two countries escalated following the collapse of negotiations on Aug. 21.

The United States subsequently imposed 50% tariffs on roughly C$27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods, while Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on approximately the same amount of US imports beginning Sept. 8.

Canada's counter-tariffs range from 15% to 50% and cover about 700 products, including goods in sectors such as metals, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper and electronics.