Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Tuesday that U.S. trade negotiations cannot restart until America stops “throwing shade” and memes about Canada. He warned that the current atmosphere undermines serious diplomatic progress.
Carney Blames Memes for Trade Standoff
The two countries’ trade talks collapsed last month after the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. Carney responded by pledging to match those tariffs dollar for dollar.
“Our plan has always been to stand up for Canada,” Carney said. A deal respecting Canadian sovereignty remains possible if the United States becomes serious.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the prime minister, saying Carney used the stalled talks for political gain ahead of upcoming elections and noted he met with trade minister Dominic LeBlanc at least ten times in the past month. He emphasized that the timing aligns with Canada’s upcoming electoral calendar.
Lutnick added that Carney spoke with him twice in the 24 hours before the talks ended and predicted Canada would return to the negotiating table once the elections are over. Lutnick said the pause reflects a strategic calculation rather than a diplomatic breakthrough.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Canada’s posture in a CNBC interview, stating that a “tit-for-tat” war is unlikely because the United States is 13 times larger than Canada. He argued that the size disparity makes reciprocal tariffs impractical.
Bessent also accused Carney of running on an anti‑American platform and of prioritizing the Liberal Party and his own agenda over the interests of Canadians. Bessent said the prime minister’s stance serves partisan goals rather than national interests.
Social media reactions underscored the prime minister’s frustration, with users urging more memes and mocking his sensitivity. The online commentary highlights a broader pattern of political ridicule.
Analysts say Carney’s focus on online mockery distracts from the substantive economic reasons that halted the negotiations. They warn that personal grievances could further stall trade talks.
