Canada blames U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for collapse of trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians that the trade talks with the United States fell apart because the gap between the parties had become too wide, but sources say the decisive factor was a set of late-stage demands from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The American proposals reportedly sought authority over which foreign nations Canada could do business with, prompting Ottawa to walk away. Carney also alluded to “differences” among Trump administration officials during the final negotiation days.

Lutnick, a Manhattan billionaire who rose from Cantor Fitzgerald’s ranks to become a cabinet minister, has a history of shifting policy positions and close ties to Donald Trump. His personal background includes surviving the 9/11 attacks, a controversial stance on vaccines, and past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Observers note that his negotiation style mirrors Trump’s, characterized by forceful and emotional tactics rather than methodical compromise.