Trump: French language not a factor in Canada trade talks

President Trump said Tuesday that Canada’s French language requirements are not a factor in the escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa, contradicting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“I would never interfere with Canadians speaking French! In fact, I have never even thought of doing such a stupid thing,” Trump wrote on Truth Social . “This lie was made up by a weak and ineffective Prime Minister in an attempt to gain political support, which he has totally lost, from the people of Quebec. I love French Canadians!”

His comments echo those from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who told CNBC the Canadian claim that French language requirements were a sticking point was a “funny, fake story.”

Carney said Monday that Canada could not accept Washington’s proposed trade deal given its demands to roll back French language requirements.

“We were ready and close to having a comprehensive agreement that would be fair to both countries. But they made changes, including threats on the French language and Quebec culture and Canadian culture,” the prime minister said during a press conference, speaking in French.

“That is not acceptable. That would never be acceptable,” he added.

Canada’s French language requirements have been considered a trade barrier in the U.S. given the added costs and efforts of redesigning packaging to include French labels.

However, the issue is of paramount importance in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, where French is the primary language.