Carney Says US Trade Talks Are 'Nasty' After Trump Criticizes Canada's Leadership

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that trade negotiations with the United States had become "nasty" Following President Donald Trump's criticism of Canada and its leadership, along with threats to expand tariffs.

Despite Trump's remarks, Carney stated that Canada remained engaged in the talks, framing them as efforts to protect Canadian workers and businesses. "This is a tough negotiation," Carney said in French. "You can say 'nasty.' But this is a question of Canadian jobs. It's a question of the future of Canadian businesses."

Trump made his comments during a Wednesday speech in Las Vegas, saying "Canada's nasty. They are. They're nasty. I love the people, but they're nasty. Nasty leadership."

Carney acknowledged being "in the middle of a tariff war with the Americans" But responded with laughter when asked about Trump's characterization. He noted that Canadian negotiators were in Washington during the week and that further conversations with Trump were expected following a call between them the previous week.

The U.S. Currently maintains tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Trump has announced plans to impose 50% tariffs on additional Canadian goods beginning Aug. 19.

Tariffs function as taxes on imports that companies may pass to consumers through higher prices. The president contends that tariff-related costs will prompt manufacturing to shift to the U.S., though economic data provides limited support for this claim.

Trump's tariff threats and repeated suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. State have drawn anger from many Canadians, with some canceling trips to the United States.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that only Canada and China have retaliated against Trump's tariffs, citing restrictions on U.S. Alcohol sales in certain Canadian provinces. Canadian officials counter that their countermeasures were responses to existing U.S. Tariffs.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Carney had criticized major powers for employing economic coercion against smaller nations, prompting Trump to respond: "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."

Canada ranks among the United States' largest trading partners, and the tariff actions risk raising prices when Americans already express frustration over the cost of living ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Carney said existing U.S. Tariffs on aluminum have led to a 58% increase in aluminum prices in the United States. "That's not a good situation for American companies," Carney said.