Leaked Recording: Vance Mocks Trudeau and Canada Trade Talks

Canadian media outlets have released a leaked audio recording attributed to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, showing him mocking Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and accusing him of retreating in trade talks with Washington.

The leak comes as relations between the two countries face tough negotiations over tariffs that Donald Trump threatened to impose on Canadian imports.

The audio leak stems from a private event where Vance is heard mocking Canada for what he described as a retreat in a trade agreement, and also ridiculing Prime Minister Mark Carney for attempting to "outdo" Donald Trump.

The recording, allegedly made during a fundraising gala and shared with the Canadian Press, emerged at the final stage of difficult negotiations, during which the U.S. president threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canada.

According to the Canadian Press, Vance is heard telling a group of supporters in Southampton, New York, that Carney is "a very nice person" and that he gets along with him. But he also says Carney "walks in and brags, saying: 'I'll outdo Donald Trump in strength.'"

Vance says: "It's extremely funny because Carney presents this as a victory for Canada, while in reality, they're backing down on many issues."

The audio recording is unlikely to improve relations between the negotiating teams at this critical juncture. Canadian officials have stated that an agreement is imminent, likely including Canada’s renewed permission to sell American alcoholic beverages nationwide, in exchange for avoiding the worst impacts of Trump’s imposed tariffs.

Trump initially said he would implement the tariffs starting August 19, but on Tuesday he reversed course and announced a temporary three-day pause.

In July, the White House stated that the 50% tariffs were a response to Canada’s "discriminatory treatment," including bans on selling American alcohol in eight of ten provinces and all three territories—actions taken in early 2025 in response to Trump’s initial threats to impose tariffs on Canada.

American wine, beer, and spirits producers reported that the ban significantly hurt their sales. According to the White House, U.S. alcohol imports into Canada dropped by about 81% year-on-year.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston confirmed this week that Carney had asked provinces to return American alcohol to store shelves.

Kinew said Thursday: "I won't say (Carney) was begging us, but what’s the step before begging?"

Kinew urged Canadians to continue boycotting American products regardless of any developments.

He said: "If we bring American alcohol back to store shelves, don’t buy it... Buy Canadian products instead. We’ve made tremendous efforts to stand united against Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs, and I believe we should keep doing so."

Kinew said he respects Carney for standing up to Trump and believes Canada must remain firm in negotiations.

He added: "I think Donald Trump is weak. America is weaker around the world today than it was a year ago, and he’s on the verge of suffering a crushing defeat in the midterm elections."

He continued: "The wise say you can’t get a good deal from a bad person, and I believe that rule applies here, so I think we must fight."