Tensions between the United States and Canada have reached a boiling point, and Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney isn’t holding back.
In a fiery and unapologetic address following his historic election win, Carney issued a stark warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of trying to undermine Canadian sovereignty.
“President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us — that will never, ever happen,” Carney declared to roaring cheers from supporters gathered at a packed sports arena in Ottawa. “We must prepare for the worst, not just hope for the best.”
A Historic Comeback
Carney’s rise marks a remarkable turnaround for Canada’s Liberal Party, which just months ago appeared on the verge of collapse. With no prior experience in elected office, the 60-year-old former central banker took the reins of the party earlier this year, and has now led it to a commanding victory in national elections.
The win was confirmed shortly after 10:00 p.m. EST, when Canada’s national broadcaster, CBC, projected a majority for the Liberals. His triumph ends over a decade of leadership under Justin Trudeau, who stepped down weeks earlier amid growing political fatigue and rising tensions with the U.S.
Trump Tensions on the Rise
Carney’s defiant tone reflects growing public anger in Canada over Trump’s recent comments and proposals — including the shocking suggestion that Canada be annexed as the “51st state” and his dismissal of Trudeau as merely the “Governor of Canada.”
Trump has also claimed the U.S. spends $200 billion annually to “support” its northern neighbor, igniting backlash across the Canadian political spectrum. The rhetoric, paired with an ongoing trade dispute and tariff threats, has fueled a wave of anti-American sentiment.
In protest, many Canadians have begun boycotting U.S. goods, canceling travel south of the border, and showing record voter turnout. Over 7.3 million Canadians cast their ballots before election day — the highest early voting numbers in the nation’s history.
“Canada Stands Alone If It Must”
Carney emphasized that future dealings with Washington would be based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
“When I sit down with President Trump, it will be as the leader of a sovereign nation — not a subordinate,” he said. “Canada has many options beyond the United States to build prosperity. And we will explore them all.”
Calling the moment a “national crisis,” Carney rallied citizens to unite under a renewed sense of Canadian identity.
“We are over the shock of the American betrayal. But we must never forget the lesson: we must look out for ourselves — and for each other.”
As Canada ushers in a new era of leadership, one thing is clear — the tone of its relationship with the United States may never be the same.