Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has refuted President Donald Trump’s claim that “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Speaking at a cabinet retreat in Plains of Abraham, Québec, on Thursday, Carney emphasized the strong ties between Canada and the U.S., saying, “Our nations have forged an extraordinary partnership encompassing economic collaboration, security, and a vibrant exchange of culture.”
However, Carney firmly dismissed Trump’s comment, stating, “Canada doesn’t ‘live because of the United States.’ We prosper as Canadians, sovereign in our decisions. This is our nation, and our destiny is in our hands.”
When approached by Fox News Digital for a response, the White House referred to a post by Trump on Truth Social.
Relations between Prime Minister Carney and President Trump became strained following the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
On Thursday, Trump issued an open letter to Carney, notifying him that Canada’s participation in the Board of Peace—a U.S.-led initiative focused on addressing Gaza’s post-war future—had been withdrawn.
“Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The board was inaugurated in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, though Carney had already left, according to The Associated Press.
Tensions between Carney and Trump flared as world leaders met in Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. Both Trump and Carney took swipes at each other in their respective speeches.
President Donald Trump arrives for his speech during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Markus Schreiber/AP Photo)
During his address on Tuesday, Carney did not mention Trump by name, but rather he said that “rules-based order is fading,” referencing the U.S.
He admitted that there were benefits to US. leadership on the world stage, but painted the entire concept of a rules-based international order as a falsity that is actively failing. Additionally, in his address, Carney urged middle powers, like Canada, to assert themselves and take the opportunity to “build a new order that embodies our values.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 20, 2026. (Harun Ozalp/Anadolu via Getty Images)
When delivering his address on Wednesday, Trump did not shy away from taking aim at Carney. He said that Canada “should be grateful” because the country gets “a lot of freebies” from the U.S., though he did not say what he was referring to.
“I watched your prime minister yesterday, he wasn’t so grateful,” Trump said. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
The friction between Trump and Carney underscored a growing rift between the two. In his address to a cabinet retreat, Carney framed it as a moment for Canada to assert its own power and build a future based on its own values.
Fox News Digital reached out to Carney’s office for comment.
