U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick Accuses Canadian PM Carney of Political Sabotage in Collapsed Trade Talks, Escalating Tariffs
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has publicly accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of intentionally sabotaging trade negotiations for domestic political gain. According to Lutnick, Carney introduced last-minute demands to a nearly finalized trade deal, not due to substantive disagreements, but to bolster his political standing ahead of upcoming provincial elections in Quebec and Alberta, and to address simmering sovereignty movements. Lutnick stated he had engaged extensively with Canadian officials, including two direct conversations with Carney in the final 24 hours and approximately ten meetings with Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc over the preceding month, indicating deep U.S. engagement. The U.S. demands at the center of the collapse reportedly involved limiting tariff relief on autos, steel, aluminum, and heavy trucks, sectors where Lutnick advocates for American manufacturers. Following the breakdown, President Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian goods, to which Carney vowed... 
