Bessent dismisses trade war talk with Canada; says Carney 'chose to walk away' from a deal, putting Liberal Party first

Treasury Secretary Bessent has publicly criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating he “chose to walk away” from a significant trade deal, prioritizing the Liberal Party over the interests of the Canadian populace.¹²

Bessent emphasized that Canada was presented with “the best trade deal of any country on the globe,” but Carney's last-minute withdrawal has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

The Secretary expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s unfortunate that he’s not doing what’s best for the Canadian people.” He accused Carney of acting in his own political interest, suggesting that “the other Canadian people are going to see through that.”

This criticism comes amid rising tensions, with both nations imposing tariffs on each other's goods.

The American tariffs on Canadian products, including wine and hockey sticks, have been a point of contention, with President Trump labeling Canada as “one of the worst abusers” in trade.

Bessent's remarks reflect a growing frustration within the U.S. administration regarding Canada's trade practices, as the two countries navigate a complex economic relationship.