U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of being “ungrateful” following Carney’s widely praised speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Speaking at the forum, Trump said he watched Carney’s address a day earlier and claimed Canada benefits heavily from the United States. “Canada gets a lot of freebies from us,” Trump said, adding that Carney “wasn’t so grateful.” He went on to assert that “Canada lives because of the United States,” directing his remarks personally at the prime minister.
Carney’s speech, which received a standing ovation, did not mention Trump by name. Instead, he warned that the old world order has collapsed and urged middle powers to work together as larger nations increasingly use economic pressure to advance their interests.
Trump’s criticism came as he again promoted his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, previously saying it would cost Canada $61 billion to join, while repeating comments that Canada should become the “51st state.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Trump’s remarks were disappointing but not surprising, noting that the president recently posted an image on social media showing the American flag superimposed over Canada and Greenland. “That’s typical President Trump,” Ford said in Toronto. “He goes out on the attack constantly.”
Trump’s comments also revived tensions from October, when he froze trade talks with Canada after Ford’s government aired a television ad quoting former U.S. president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
The president’s remarks in Davos came amid broader concern among world leaders about growing uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s tariff threats and repeated comments about annexing Greenland have unsettled allies and cast a shadow over the forum.
Trump has said the United States could impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries if Greenland is not transferred to U.S. control, though he softened that threat in a social media post Wednesday. In that post, Trump said he held a productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, claiming they had outlined a framework for discussions on Greenland and the wider Arctic region.
Asked whether those discussions included Canada, the White House said details would continue to emerge as talks progress.
During his Davos remarks, Trump ruled out using military force to seize Greenland but insisted he wants “right, title and ownership” of the territory, repeatedly referring to it incorrectly as Iceland. He also warned NATO allies that their response to U.S. ambitions would be remembered.
Danish and European leaders have stated clearly that any attempt to take Greenland against the wishes of its people is unacceptable.
Carney also met with Rutte on Wednesday, with the Prime Minister’s Office saying both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark, including Greenland.