Pete Hegseth Trolls Canada Again Despite Mark Carney Warning

Pete Hegseth Trolls Canada Again as Mark Carney Fires Back

Tensions between the United States and Canada have taken another turn after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mocked Canada’s military in a social-media post, prompting a sharp response from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Hegseth recently shared an image from the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon, British Columbia, showing two young Canadian cadets in uniform alongside the words “this is real.” The post triggered widespread criticism, with opponents accusing the U.S. defense secretary of targeting young people involved in a Canadian youth leadership program.

Carney called the remarks “beneath their office” and urged the Trump administration to stop the online attacks and return its focus to serious negotiations.

“When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough, and start being serious about having those discussions, we can have those discussions,” Carney said.

The latest dispute comes as relations between Washington and Ottawa remain strained following the collapse of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations in August. The United States has imposed additional tariffs on Canadian goods, while Canada has prepared retaliatory measures.

The military-related insults have added another layer to the dispute. U.S. officials have repeatedly questioned Canada’s defense capabilities, while Canadian officials have emphasized the long history of military cooperation between the two countries.

Canadian officials argue that political disagreements and trade disputes should not be allowed to undermine longstanding relations between the two neighboring countries.

For Carney, the message from Ottawa is clear: Canada remains willing to negotiate, but it expects Washington to approach the relationship with seriousness and respect.

With trade tensions escalating and both governments facing pressure at home, the latest Hegseth controversy shows just how far the traditionally close U.S.-Canada relationship has deteriorated.