In an audio recording, Vens mocked Carney over trade negotiations with the U.S.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, in an audio recording from a private event reportedly made during a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, mocked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for his stance in trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. The recording was provided to The Canadian Press, according to The Guardian.
In the recording, Vance calls Carney “a very nice guy” and says he gets along well with him. At the same time, he claims that the Canadian prime minister allegedly comes to negotiations with the intention of appearing tougher than Trump. According to The Canadian Press, Vance also stated that Carney is portraying the situation as a victory for Canada, even though, in his view, the country conceded on many issues.
The audio recording surfaced at the end of difficult trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. Trump had threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on Canada. He initially stated that they would take effect on August 19, but on Tuesday announced a three-day pause.
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Canadian officials reported that the parties are close to reaching an agreement. It may involve resuming the sale of American alcohol throughout Canada in exchange for avoiding the harshest U.S. tariffs.
In July, the White House attributed the potential 50 percent tariffs to Canada’s “discriminatory practices.” Among the reasons cited were restrictions on the sale of U.S. alcohol in eight of Canada’s ten provinces and all three territories. These restrictions were introduced in early 2025 in response to Trump’s initial tariff threats.
According to the White House, Canadian imports of alcohol from the U.S. have fallen by approximately 81% year-over-year. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinyu and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston confirmed this week that Carney had asked the provinces to put American alcohol back on store shelves. At the same time, Kinyu urged Canadians to continue boycotting American goods and to buy Canadian products.
