Trump Talks About Canada—Carney Responded Within 9 Minutes …..
This is the moment Donald Trump realized that threatening America’s largest trading partner comes with consequences.
On February 20, 2026, Trump announced a sudden 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, expecting Canada to back down. Instead, just nine minutes later, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with immediate retaliatory tariffs, energy export restrictions, and plans to strengthen trade ties with Europe and Asia.
Markets reacted instantly. The S&P 500 dropped sharply, billions in market value disappeared, and major U.S. business groups publicly opposed the tariffs. American auto, energy, and manufacturing companies warned of higher costs, supply chain chaos, and potential job losses.
Carney’s calm, calculated response flipped the power dynamic. Instead of isolating Canada, Trump isolated himself — facing backlash from Wall Street, U.S. governors, and even parts of his own coalition.
Now, legal challenges under the USMCA trade agreement are underway, and fears of a wider North American trade war are growing.
What was meant to project strength instead exposed economic risk — and proved that in today’s global economy, retaliation can come fast.