Trump Wants to Break Us So America Can Own Us, Says Canadian PM Mark Carney

Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap federal election for April 28, citing the need for a strong mandate to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and controversial statements about Canada’s sovereignty.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Carney warned of the dangers posed by Trump’s recent tariffs and threats, which have fueled tensions between the two countries.

"We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump's unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty," Carney said. "President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen."

The prime minister emphasized that Canada’s response must focus on strengthening its economy and national security in the face of these challenges.

Election comes amid heightened nationalism

Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, took over as prime minister after Justin Trudeau stepped down. While the federal election was originally scheduled for October 20, Carney’s decision to call an early vote reflects the urgency of the situation.

His main opponent, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, has yet to formally respond to Carney’s election announcement, but the vote is expected to be a critical test for both parties.

Trump’s controversial statements stir outrage

Trump’s trade policies have sparked economic concerns in Canada, with new tariffs threatening key industries. Additionally, his remarks about Canada’s sovereignty have caused political shockwaves.

Earlier this month, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty-First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear."

Carney dismissed these remarks as "crazy," but they have contributed to a surge in nationalist sentiment among Canadians.

What’s next?

With the election just weeks away, Canadians will soon decide who they believe is best equipped to navigate the growing tensions with the U.S. Carney is calling for a united front against Trump’s actions, while Poilievre is expected to focus on domestic economic issues.

As the campaign unfolds, the future of Canada’s relationship with the U.S. will remain a central issue—one that could shape the country’s economic and political trajectory for years to come.