Canadian Leader Doubles Down On Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is once again drawing attention for his public disagreement with President Donald Trump, doubling down on remarks he made last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
During that appearance, Carney openly opposed President Trump’s proposed tariff strategy and reaffirmed Canada’s support for Greenland remaining under Danish sovereignty—comments that quickly drew scrutiny in Washington.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Carney confirmed that he personally raised the issue during a recent phone call with Trump, saying his position had not changed since Davos.
The dispute centers on President Trump’s consideration of 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and several European allies. The tariffs were part of a broader strategy tied to Arctic security concerns and European backing of Greenland amid rising global competition for the region’s resources.
Carney argued that Canada does not support using trade penalties to resolve Arctic disputes, instead calling for diplomatic negotiations focused on long-term economic and security cooperation.
However, the tariff threat was later put on hold after President Trump reached a preliminary framework involving Greenland’s mineral resources with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The tariffs had been scheduled to take effect on February 1.
Despite that pause, Carney continued publicly backing Denmark’s role in Greenland’s future, emphasizing that Greenland should determine its own political path.
Trump administration officials say Carney’s public posture does not match his private tone. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Canadian leader significantly softened his position during the phone call with President Trump.
Speaking on Hannity, Bessent said Carney “walked back” his earlier comments, adding that the prime minister’s original statements raised concerns among U.S. officials.
Tensions escalated further after President Trump withdrew Canada’s invitation to join his newly created Board of Peace, a leadership body overseeing reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, terror attack carried out by Hamas.
Carney had not accepted the invitation and publicly questioned how the board’s reported $1 billion participation fee would be used.
President Trump made the withdrawal official in a statement posted to Truth Social, saying the board would move forward without Canada’s involvement and describing it as a historic gathering of global leadership.
The episode underscores ongoing friction between Ottawa and Washington as President Trump continues advancing an America-first trade and security agenda during his second term—particularly when it comes to Arctic policy, NATO relations, and global economic leverage.
