Carney: I Will Wait for a New US President if Deal with Trump Fails

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday that if his government fails to successfully negotiate a suitable trade agreement with US President Donald Trump's administration, he is willing to wait for a new American president to finalize this deal.

In an interview with "Politico" in Montreal, Carney also noted that Canadians are tired of diplomatic provocations from the United States and described Trump's wavering policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war as "unhelpful."

Carney's remarks, made at the conclusion of a summit with EU officials, represent the clearest pushback against Washington in months from a leader who had been careful to choose his public words regarding the US amid sensitive trade talks.

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have proceeded at a stumbling pace since Canada withdrew from talks in August, coinciding with both sides imposing new tariffs this autumn.

On Friday, Carney reaffirmed that he would not sign a deal "just for the sake of signing a deal." When asked if this meant he might wait for a new president to arrive if necessary, the Prime Minister answered affirmatively.

Carney said during the interview: "We will have to do that, if that is what it takes. American families and businesses will also suffer as a result; they are not winning under these conditions."

The political stakes surrounding the trade dispute in the United States continue to rise, as voters—frustrated by energy and consumer goods costs—prepare to render their judgment on the Trump administration in the midterm elections scheduled for Tuesday.

Some of the most critical electoral battles are taking place in border states where trade relations with Canada are particularly sensitive, including Michigan and Maine.

The US Embassy in Ottawa contributed to escalating tensions in recent days by distributing a document to journalists accusing Canadian government officials of "potential interference in US elections."

For his part, US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra—known for his confrontational approach—stated in a podcast episode released later that there was no "firm" confirmation from US authorities indicating that Canadian political figures were involved in illicit election interference.