JD Vance mocks Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for attempting to out-tough President Trump during trade negotiations
JD Vance mocked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for his perceived lack of toughness during ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. In a leaked audio recording from a private fundraiser in Southampton, New York, Vance described Carney as a "very sweet guy" while noting that Carney often "puffs his chest out" to appear tougher than President Trump. Vance suggested that while Carney presents the trade situation as a Canadian victory, the country has fundamentally conceded on several issues. The comments come as the two nations work toward a deal to avoid the harshest of the 50% tariffs threatened by the administration. These tariffs were initiated in retaliation for Canada's discriminatory treatment of U.S. alcohol, which saw imports drop by 81% year-over-year. While Canadian officials indicate a deal is close, some provincial leaders, such as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, have urged Canadians to continue boycotting American goods to maintain leverage. The administration announced a three-day pause on the tariffs to allow for final negotiations.