...
By Daniel Orton
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
U.S. President Donald Trump appeared unimpressed with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Davos speech, referring to his northern counterpart's remarks during his own address to the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
"We're building a golden dome that's going to just by its very nature going to be defending Canada," Trump said during a wide-ranging and lengthy speech. "Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should be grateful but they're not. I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful. But they should be grateful to us, Canada. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."
Trump's comments prompted gasps from the audience, according to The New York Times.
Read More on U.S.
Newsweek reached out to Carney's office via email for comment early Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Trump’s response highlighted deepening friction between Washington and Ottawa over defense, trade, and Arctic policy, including the president’s push to annex Greenland for a missile shield he said would defend North America.
...
What To Know
Carney delivered a well-received speech on Tuesday at the annual gathering of political and business leaders, which many observers interpreted as containing pointed references to Trump. The decision not to name Trump was deliberate, Axios reported, citing an unnamed Canadian official.
He warned that the post–Cold War rules‑based order had become a “useful fiction” propped up for decades by U.S. power, but one he argued can “no longer be relied on” amid rising great‑power rivalry. He said countries like Canada had grown accustomed to the predictability and protection of multilateral institutions, but now face an era in which major powers use “tariffs as leverage” and “economic integration as weapons."
The Canadian leader framed the current moment as a “rupture, not a transition,” urging middle powers to develop greater strategic autonomy in areas such as energy, supply chains and critical minerals. He invoked Václav Havel’s parable of “living within a lie” to argue that nations must confront the new geopolitical reality directly, warning that compliance in hopes of safety “won’t” work.
Carney’s address drew a standing ovation and positive remarks from international figures, including historian Rutger Bregman and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt. French President Emmanuel Macron, in his speech on Tuesday, said international law was being “trampled underfoot,” calling for “more cooperation,” reflecting similar themes.
Trump on Wednesday renewed calls for U.S. control of Greenland to host his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which he said would also defend Canada. He said he would not use military force to seize the island, which is a semiautonomous Danish region. Trump framed Canada’s security as a justification for the plan and criticized Ottawa’s stance on participation and funding for the system, which remains unsettled.
What People Are Saying
South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X on Wednesday: "President Trump made the best case ever for strategic need for U.S. ownership of Greenland. Extremely convincing."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, wrote on X: "Donald Trump is overseas embarrassing America on the world stage. Again."
Economist Justin Wolfers wrote on X: "Trump's Davos speech is an embarrassing ramble. America, humiliated."
Florida Republican Representative Brian Mast wrote on X: "The world laughed at the U.S. when we worked to buy Alaska from Russia but imagine where we would be without it. From its strategic importance in the Arctic to minerals, you name it. Thank you @potus for having the vision of adding Greenland for the strongest America and the courage to fight for it, You never let America get rolled. Fighters fight, period!"
What Happens Next
Trump is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos on Thursday, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Update 01/21/26, 12:06 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines