Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized recent comments by senior U.S. officials that mocked the Canadian military, describing the remarks as unhelpful amid ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.
On Monday, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth shared a message on social media ridiculing the physical appearance of an overweight Canadian soldier who was presenting a medal at a youth camp. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also made light of Canada’s military capabilities during a televised interview addressing the escalating trade dispute.
In the interview with CNBC, Bessent downplayed the possibility of a serious conflict with Canada, saying, “I don’t think you can be in a tit-for-tat with someone who’s 13 times larger than you are.” He added, “We’re not at war with Canada. How are we going to be at war with Canada? What, are they going to take their two submarines from the Edmonton Mall and sic them on us?” His remark referenced a defunct tourist attraction once located in a shopping center in Alberta.
These remarks come amid heightened trade tensions following the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods last month, measures introduced after negotiations between the two countries failed to resolve their dispute. Canada has responded by announcing plans to levy retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products.
Carney condemned the insults as “beneath their office” and "not productive" for resolving the disagreements. Speaking to reporters in Montreal on Tuesday, he said such behavior reflects poorly on the professionalism expected from government officials but acknowledged it as part of American democratic discourse. “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,” Carney said.
The trade war between Canada and the United States, both historic allies and close trading partners, has raised concerns about its broader economic impact on North America, with both governments signaling they remain open to negotiations despite the animosity conveyed in recent public exchanges.