Prime Minister Mark Carney said that former U.S. President Donald Trump 'won' the debate over NATO defence spending, while also offering his support for U.S. military strikes against Iran. Carney made the remarks during an interview with CTV News in Türkiye, where he is attending the NATO summit.
Carney Acknowledges Trump's Influence on NATO Spending
Carney stated that Trump's persistent demands for NATO allies to meet the 2% of GDP defence spending target had effectively shifted the alliance's priorities. 'Trump won the argument,' Carney said, noting that many member countries have now committed to increasing their defence budgets. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada is also working toward meeting the target, though he did not provide a specific timeline.
Support for U.S. Strikes on Iran
In a separate segment of the interview, Carney expressed support for recent U.S. military actions against Iran. 'We stand with our allies in ensuring regional stability,' he said, referring to the strikes as a necessary response to Iranian provocations. The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. conducting operations against Iranian-backed forces.
NATO Summit in Türkiye
The interview took place on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Türkiye, where leaders are discussing a range of issues including the war in Ukraine, defence spending, and the U.S. relationship with the alliance. Carney's remarks align with a broader shift among NATO members toward increased military expenditure, a trend accelerated by Trump's earlier criticisms.
Domestic Political Context
Carney's statements also come as his government faces pressure from opposition parties to clarify Canada's defence commitments. The Prime Minister defended his appointment of a principal secretary to the Senate and dismissed concerns about partisanship, saying the focus remains on national security and international obligations.
According to CTV News, Carney's interview touched on multiple foreign policy issues, including the situation in Ukraine and the future of NATO. The Prime Minister's support for Iran strikes marks a notable departure from previous Canadian positions, which had been more cautious on military intervention in the region.
