JD Vance Criticizes Mark Carney’s ‘Out‑Tough’ Challenge to Trump on Trade

Leaked audio from a private gathering allegedly captured US Vice President JD Vance mocking Canada for appearing to concede in a trade deal and ridiculing Prime Minister Mark Carney for attempting to “out-tough” Donald Trump.

The recording, apparently made at a fundraiser and disseminated to the Canadian Press, emerges during the final phase of a challenging negotiation wherein President Trump has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canada.

In the audio, Vance addressed a gathering of supporters in Southampton, New York, describing Carney as a “very pleasant individual” with whom he maintains a good relationship, yet also noting that Carney “puffs his chest out” and declares, “I’m going to, like, out‑tough Donald Trump.”

According to the Canadian Press, Vance remarked, “It’s amusing that Carney frames this as a triumph for Canada, when in reality they have backtracked on many issues.”

The audio is unlikely to improve relations between the two delegations at a critical juncture. Canadian officials indicate that a deal is near completion, potentially restoring U.S. alcohol sales across Canada in exchange for mitigating the most severe tariff measures.

Trump initially announced tariffs to take effect on August 19, but on Tuesday he reversed course and declared a three‑day pause.

The White House stated in July that the 50% tariffs were retaliation for “discriminatory treatment” by Canada, which included bans on U.S. alcohol sales in eight of ten provinces and all three territories—a response to Trump’s early 2025 tariff threats.

U.S. producers of wine, beer, and spirits report that the boycott has severely impacted their sales, with Canadian imports of American alcohol declining roughly 81% year‑over‑year, according to the White House.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston confirmed this week that Carney has urged the provinces to resume sales of U.S. alcohol.

“I wouldn’t say [Carney] was begging us, but what is a step before begging?” Kinew said on Thursday.

He urged Canadians to maintain their boycott of U.S. products regardless.

“If we restock the booze, don’t purchase it; choose Canadian alternatives instead,” he said. “We have performed admirably in standing together against Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and I believe we should persist.”

Kinew said he respects Carney for confronting Trump and believes Canada should remain steadfast in the negotiations.

“I think Donald Trump is weak; America is weaker on the global stage today than it was a year ago, and he’s poised for a significant setback in the midterms,” he said.

“As many wise observers have noted, ‘you can’t secure a good deal with a bad person,’ and that principle applies here. I think we should fight.”

Source link