Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took a public swipe at President Donald Trump this weekend, boasting that the global economy can move forward “without the United States” after the Trump administration boycotted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
The summit host, South Africa, pushed out a declaration despite America’s absence—another sign of growing tension between the White House and nations eager to sidestep U.S. leadership.
Trump Boycotts G20 Over Attacks on White Farmers
President Trump refused to attend the summit after blasting South Africa for allowing violent attacks and forced land seizures targeting white Afrikaner farmers. Trump called the situation a “total disgrace,” demanding accountability for the abuses that South African officials continue to deny.
For many Americans, especially older voters, Trump’s refusal to legitimize South Africa’s human-rights failures only reinforced his reputation for standing up for people who are ignored by global elites.
Carney Uses Summit to Undermine U.S. Leadership
Carney seized the moment to promote his long-standing opposition to Trump’s America First policies. He has repeatedly clashed with Trump over trade, national sovereignty, and what Trump describes as Canada’s unfair economic advantage over the United States.
Speaking to reporters Sunday, Carney claimed the summit served as a “reminder that the center of gravity in the global economy is shifting,” clearly suggesting that the world doesn’t need U.S. involvement
—an unusual and disrespectful jab from a country that benefits enormously from American trade, security, and economic stability.
Carney highlighted that the gathering included countries representing most of the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output—even with the United States absent. He used the spotlight to showcase Canada’s push for new partnerships in energy, technology, and the Indo-Pacific.
Carney: ‘I’ll Talk to Trump When It Matters’
Carney also struck a dismissive tone regarding future talks with President Trump, saying he has “no burning issue” that requires speaking with the U.S. leader. He added that if America wants to return to the negotiating table, Canada will “have those discussions”—a comment many conservatives saw as arrogant and ungrateful.
Foreign leaders, including India’s Narendra Modi and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, touted their own takeaways from the summit. South Africa celebrated what it called a “historic success,” despite widespread criticism over its ongoing controversies.
A Calculated Political Shot at America First
For conservative Americans, Carney’s remarks sound less like diplomacy and more like political theater. Instead of working with the United States—Canada’s greatest ally—Carney used the G20 spotlight to position himself as a counterweight to Trump.
But the message from the America First movement remains unchanged:
Strong U.S. leadership is essential for global stability, fair trade, and protecting American workers and farmers.
Canada’s latest cheap shot only reinforces why President Trump continues to fight for American interests first, not the approval of international bureaucrats.