Key Facts
• January 27, 2026: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney denies retracting his Davos speech during call with US President Donald Trump.
• Carney’s Davos speech criticized US-led global governance system as facing “rupture” and decline in rules-based order.
• Carney urged middle powers to reduce dependence on US economic influence used as “coercion”.
• Trump reacted angrily, warning Carney to watch his words, stating Canada exists thanks to the US.
• January 26, 2026: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Carney retracted part of his speech in a Fox News interview.
• January 27, 2026: Carney refuted Bessent’s statement in Ottawa, affirming no falsehoods in his Davos remarks.
• Carney emphasized Canada was first to understand and respond to US trade policy shifts led by Trump.
• The January 26 phone call initiated by Trump covered Arctic security, Ukraine, and Venezuela issues.
Summary
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly denied claims by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that he retracted his critical speech on US global leadership at the 2026 Davos World Economic Forum. Carney’s speech highlighted the decline of the US-led world order and called on middle powers to reduce reliance on US economic coercion. Following the speech, President Donald Trump expressed anger and warned Carney to be cautious. Despite Bessent’s assertion that Carney had retracted part of his remarks during a phone call with Trump, Carney clarified in Ottawa that his statements remain truthful and unchanged. He also stressed Canada’s proactive response to shifts in US trade policy. The phone call between Trump and Carney addressed key geopolitical issues including Arctic security, Ukraine, and Venezuela. This exchange underscores ongoing tensions and complex diplomacy between Canada and the US under Trump’s administration.
