Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the U.S.-Canada relationship is over as Trump ramps up tariffs and annexation threats.
Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Canada, a longtime ally, not only imposing tariffs but even threatening annexation. On March 27, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the era of close U.S.-Canada cooperation officially over.
Carney’s statement comes amid escalating trade tensions. Since January, Trump has levied a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, hitting Canadian industries hard. Adding further strain, on Wednesday Trump announced a 25% tariff on all cars and select auto parts imported into the U.S., effective April 2. The move could severely disrupt Canada’s economy, which is deeply intertwined with that of its southern neighbor.
Earlier this week, just nine days after succeeding former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carney—a former central banker with no prior elected office—called a snap election for April 28, citing the urgency of national sovereignty and economic stability, vowing to fight U.S. tariffs with retaliatory trade actions and build a new Canadian economy.
Carney now faces off against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose party had led polls since 2023. However, recent surveys show the race tightening, with both leaders neck and neck.