Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ignited a wave of social media reactions this week after sharply interrupting US President Donald Trump during a press event at the G7 summit.
The summit, held in Kananaskis, Alberta, brought together leaders from several major nations including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil, and the US. As host, Carney, 60, welcomed fellow heads of state for discussions on pressing issues such as the global economy, international conflict, and geopolitical tensions.
During a media Q&A, Trump was questioned about delays surrounding a potential trade agreement with Canada.
A Tense Moment on Camera
Responding with his signature confidence, Trump said, “It’s not so much holding up. I think we have different concepts. I have a tariff concept and Mark has a different concept, which is something that people like. But we’re going to see if we can get through to the bottom of it today.”
As Trump finished, Carney appeared to roll his eyes before giving a subtle wink to a reporter, drawing amused reactions online.
Not missing a beat, Trump continued, “I’m a tariff person — simple, it’s easy. It’s precise, and it just goes very quickly. I think Mark just has a more complex idea — but also very good.”
Carney, standing nearby, was caught smirking, prompting many to interpret it as a jab in return.
Clips of the exchange quickly made the rounds on social media.
One commenter joked, “Carney’s face tho…”
Another added, “That wink to the press at 0:13 seconds hahaha, beauty.”
A third said, “OMFG — Carney’s expression is everything. I would love to be a fly on the wall for the post-Trump convos.”
Trump Defends Russia and Attacks Trudeau
Later in the conversation, Trump brought up the removal of Russia from the G8 back in 2014, blaming former US President Barack Obama and former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for the exclusion.
“The G7 used to be the G8,” Trump told reporters. “Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in. And I would say that that was a mistake. Because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in. And you wouldn’t have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago, but it didn’t work out that way.”
As Trump continued, Carney interjected firmly. “If you don’t mind, I’m just going to exercise my role, if you will,” he said, turning toward Trump. “As G7 chair, since we have a few more minutes with the president and his team. And then we actually have to start the meeting to address some of these big issues.”
Divided Public Reaction
Liberal-leaning audiences applauded Carney for reining Trump in, with some speculating that Trump left early due to being mocked by fellow leaders. “Thank you, PM Carney!” one user wrote. Another added, “He stopped him. So he don’t keep putting his foot in his mouth.”
However, Trump supporters were less amused. “Carney is such a weakling,” one person commented, referencing how the Canadian PM glanced at Trump before cutting him off. Another called the situation “a joke,” expressing frustration over the interaction.
Carney and Trump had already clashed earlier this year over tax policy — and if this summit is any indication, their tense dynamic is far from over.