WASHINGTON, D.C.: John Bolton, the former U.S. National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to apologize for an anti-tariff advertisement, labeling the action as a sign of weakness that Trump will likely exploit in future trade negotiations.
Bolton made his comments during an interview, reflecting on the dynamics of Canada-U.S. trade relations under the Trump administration.
“I think it showed weakness, and I think that’s going to be on Trump’s mind as he looks at what the next stages are in negotiations with Canada,” John Bolton stated.
The controversy arose after Trump halted trade talks, citing an anti-tariff advertisement campaign sponsored by the Ontario government. Carney subsequently apologized to Trump for the advertisement during the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit held in South Korea.
Carney clarified at the time that he had informed Ontario Premier Doug Ford that the contentious ad campaign should not be run, but Ford did not heed the advice. Bolton’s critique now frames that apology as a potential liability for Canada in ongoing and future economic discussions with the U.S.
