US Mocks Canada's Military Amid Escalating Trade Dispute

Canada's trade dispute with the US escalated further as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mocked the country's military capabilities, saying they're not a threat to the US. He claimed Canada's economy is 13 times smaller than the US and questioned how a 'tit-for-tat' trade war would work.

Bessent's comments came just as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party won all three special elections held in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. The victories brought the Liberals to 173 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons, strengthening Carney's position in Parliament.

The US has imposed 50% tariffs on hundreds of Canadian goods, while Canada has suspended trade negotiations with Washington. In response, Carney accelerated efforts to expand Canada's economic relationships with Europe and other partners to reduce its dependence on the US.