White House pushes back after Carney raises possibility of U.S. military threat to Canada

The White House has pushed back against Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comments about the possibility of a U.S. military threat to Canada, saying President Donald Trump has done more than any other leader to protect the country.

White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said Carney should be grateful for Trump’s efforts involving Canada. Her comments came after Carney discussed the potential risks facing Canada in an interview with The New York Times.

Carney said his government had taken threats related to the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state seriously and had prepared for highly unlikely scenarios, including the possibility of military action by the United States.

Kelly pointed to Trump’s Golden Dome missile-defence project as an example of what she described as the president’s approach to Canada. She said the project could play an important role in the security of both countries.

Kelly also argued that Trump’s proposed terms for a Canada-U.S. trade agreement should be viewed as part of efforts to provide security for Canada. She said Carney should work toward an agreement that provides benefits to both Canadian and American citizens.