Canadian Prime Minister urges Trump administration to cease meme tactics in trade talks

During a meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney warned the Trump administration that its trade-negotiation tactics would effectively render Canadian businesses subsidiary to American firms or require them to be gradually phased out in Canada. He argued that such terms would leave key sectors, including the automobile industry, non-viable and would erode French-language and cultural protections. Carney also criticized the U.S. side for using meme-based messaging, shade-throwing, and a confrontational tone, calling it unconstructive.

He indicated that talks could resume only if Washington shows genuine seriousness about reaching an agreement. The Canadian leader emphasized that the proposed conditions would be unacceptable and threaten national sovereignty. The exchange highlights growing tension over the direction of bilateral trade discussions.