Steel Resolve: Carney Sets Terms for Trump Face-Off
Canada’s soon-to-be Prime Minister Mark Carney laid down the gauntlet Wednesday, telling U.S. President Donald Trump he’s open to talks—but only if Canadian sovereignty gets a front-row seat. Speaking at a gritty steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, Carney pushed back against Trump’s trade war blitz and wild annexation rants, which include dubbing the border a “fictional line” and teasing Canada as the 51st state. “I’ll meet him at the right time, with respect for our sovereignty and a real plan for trade,” Carney declared.
Set to take the oath Friday, Carney’s comments came hours after Trump cranked up tariffs to 25% on steel and aluminum imports—hits that sting deep, given Canada’s role as America’s top supplier. With tensions boiling and Trump’s economic threats looming, Carney’s staking his ground early, signaling he won’t bend to border-blurring bluster.