PM Mark Carney says ‘Canadians are tired’ of the Trump administration’s approach, and that he’s willing to wait out Trump if it comes to it

Amid the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his country is prepared to wait out the rest of Donald Trump’s second presidency. When Politico asked if that meant holding off until Trump’s successor takes office, he replied, “Well, if that’s what it takes, yeah.” Carney said that would only happen if the two countries can’t agree on a fair trade deal, adding that “American families, American businesses will also lose out because of that.”

The interview took place in Montreal on Oct. 30, after a summit between Canada and the European Union. Since taking office, Carney has challenged the U.S. on Arctic security and other foreign policy fronts, and he is keeping that stance as trade talks stall. He noted that the trade deals Canada already has in place reach around 1.5 billion customers worldwide.

Carney also said the current U.S. approach has worn thin at home. “I think Canadians are tired of it,” he said. “I think that’s very clear.” Talks between the two neighbors fell apart in August, and per WUNC, the U.S. then started collecting 50% duties on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian products.

The trade pact outlasts Trump’s term either way

The “tired” remark came after Politico asked about Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador, and other officials who have accused Canada of trying to sway the midterm elections. Carney also denied toning down his message at the EU summit to keep Trump happy. “Absolutely not. That way lies madness,” he said. Trump responded with threats when the EU floated making Canada an associate member.

Both countries have added new tariffs since the August breakdown. The broader North American trade pact, however, doesn’t expire when Trump leaves office. The U.S. declined to renew it at its first joint review on July 1, 2026, according to a press release from the USTR.

Under Article 34.7 of the agreement, if a country does not confirm renewal, the pact stays in force until 2036, with joint reviews held every year. It would end sooner only if a country formally withdraws. Trump’s second term ends on Jan. 20, 2029, leaving room for his successor to negotiate an extension before the agreement expires.