Trump Gives New PM Carney a Lesson in Power Politics

As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sat beside President Donald Trump at the White House taking questions from the press, you could feel the discomfort radiating from Carney’s posture and expression. From his pursed lips to his sideways glances, his body language betrayed the tension — and maybe even regret — behind his earlier campaign jabs at Trump and the U.S.

Let’s talk about how Carney’s first official visit to Washington became a masterclass in power politics — taught by Trump.

Trump PWNED Carney

President Trump didn’t need to raise his voice or tap into his signature bravado to command the home-field advantage. Responding to questions about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state and ongoing tariffs, Trump kept things light — praising Canada and its people — but never budged an inch on policy..

For example, while Trump acknowledged that it “takes two to tango” when if comes to Canada joining the union, he also glibly said that we should “never say never,” even over Carney’s polite protestation.

Later, when asked about tariffs, Trump delivered a line that felt aimed squarely at Carney — not the press:

We want to make our own cars. We don’t really want cars from Canada… We really don’t want Canadian steel. And we don’t want Canadian aluminum and various other things.

Message. Delivered. Trump reiterated a point he made clear to the American people previously: that America holds the cards — and he isn’t afraid to lay them on the table.

Carney “Elbows” Were All the Way Down

Carney, for his part, looked stunned — like a man who realized too late that he wandered into a lion’s den.

As Trump spoke, Carney averted his gaze, pursed his lips, rocked slightly in his chair, and said… very little. This was a far cry from the combative rhetoric he deployed back home, where he invoked “elbows out” nationalism to rally Canadians against American pressure.

Judi James, a body language expert even noted that when Carney did speak, “he face-checked Trump for nodding approval” — a diplomatic no-no that screamed deference.

As one political observer dryly noted:

The political takeaway? Carney talked a big game — right up until he had to say it to Trump’s face.

Carney Blew it On a Big Stage

Canadians noticed — and they weren’t kind.

And they’re not wrong. Carney hyped this meeting to supporters as his moment to take a principled stand — maybe even land a few jabs of his own. Instead, he sat silently as Trump dominated the moment.

This wasn’t just awkward — it was instructive: don’t overplay your hand.

Global leadership isn’t just about being right on policy — it’s about projecting strength. And on that stage, Carney looked like a man unsure whether he had any.

Do You Agree with Us?

Did you see what we saw? Or are we being too harsh on Prime Minister Carney? Drop a comment below and let us know. And don’t forget to subscribe and follow us across social media for more original commentary — elbows definitely out.