Trump Calls Carney 'Governor' as Canadian PM Accuses US President of Trying to Destroy Canada's Industry

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney didn't mince words on Monday when describing what he believes President Trump is really after in trade negotiations. Carney said talks with US negotiators made clear that Trump wants to gut three of Canada's most important industries: steel, aluminum, and autos, using terms Carney described as unfair.

Speaking at a news conference in Quebec, Carney left the door open to further talks, but only on Canada's terms.

"There is a mutually beneficial deal possible here, but it has to be one that respects Canada's sovereignty, that respects our independence, that uses our complementary strengths to build something better, not tear apart for short-term gain," he told reporters.

This latest threat adds to an already escalating fight. On Saturday morning, 50 percent tariffs took effect on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, covering products like furniture, plastics, plywood, and electrical equipment. Talks meant to prevent that outcome collapsed Friday, with both sides pointing fingers at each other over who was to blame.

He made clear there's a line Canada won't cross when it comes to how it's treated at the negotiating table.

"An attitude at the negotiation table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States, that Canadian industry is going to be disadvantaged relative to American industry, that we're going to set up terms so that over time Canadian industry is going to face constant headwinds, that's not something we're going to accept," Carney said.

"Someone should get these clowns to 'fall in line' or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE!" Trump wrote.

Still, Carney confirmed the government is examining a "range of options" for retaliation and hasn't ruled anything out, including possibly using Canada's exports of critical minerals or energy as leverage.

"The strategic and symbolic scope of reprisals are very important," he said. "I think we need to do what's intelligent and hit where there's sensitivity."

He also acknowledged the obvious challenge Canada faces in any tariff fight: the sheer size difference between the two economies makes matching the US dollar for dollar unrealistic. Instead, Carney suggested Canada will likely need to take a more targeted approach.

Carney also said the US pushed for restrictions on Canada's ability to strike trade deals with other countries, along with demands touching on cultural and French-language issues that Canada found unacceptable.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has offered a different account of what went wrong, saying Canada introduced last minute demands that derailed a draft agreement. According to Greer, that deal would have lowered tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum, and lumber, while also setting up cooperation on export controls, digital trade, and joint tariff policy.

Champagne said Canada's strong credit rating and fiscal capacity will help keep affected businesses running and limit job losses. He also suggested that public opinion in Canada is shifting in a notable way.

"When you have a close economic partner wanting to use integration as leverage in negotiations, as opposed to a basis for a win-win situation, I think it sends a message and it makes people reflect," Champagne said, adding that Canadians are increasingly feeling that "America has changed" and that "enough is enough."

He also claimed that other countries around the world are paying attention to how Canada is handling the situation, and increasingly see it as a dependable trade partner.

Sagar is a journalist with an interest primarily in geopolitics and American domestic politics. Before joining Times Now, he wrote for Republic and Sw... View More