WASHINGTON, D.C. – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was missing from an important White House meeting this Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to talk about a possible peace deal for Ukraine, but Canada was not invited.
This move sparked criticism and raised doubts about Canada’s standing on the international stage, especially as Ottawa has committed billions in support of Ukraine. Sources near the U.S. administration say Trump has been ignoring Carney’s calls, showing the chilly state of Canada-U.S. relations under the new Liberal leadership.
The White House talks included top leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
This meeting followed Trump’s recent Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he showed interest in a wider peace deal for Ukraine. Despite Canada’s sizable financial and military aid to Ukraine, Carney’s absence did not go unnoticed.
Many on X pointed out, “Canada gave $12.4B to Ukraine and tried acting like a key partner, but Carney didn’t get a seat. Liberal choices cost Canada its influence.”
White House Overlooks Carney
Since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, Canada has stood out as a major supporter. Both Justin Trudeau’s and Mark Carney’s governments promised over $12.4 billion for Ukraine.
This includes $2 billion in military help and a $2.3 billion loan through the G7, which Carney highlighted at the G7 summit in Alberta. For Canadians, this is one of the largest per-person contributions among Western nations, right at a time when many are feeling squeezed by rising costs.
Carney has often called Canada’s support “unwavering.” In June, he appeared with Zelenskyy and voiced strong criticism toward Russia. He said, “only Ukrainians should shape their future,” and called out Russian attacks on Kyiv.
However, despite these statements and Canada’s major spending, not being included in the White House talks shows Ottawa’s clout is shrinking when it comes to Washington. One popular post summed up the mood: “Canada spent more per person on Ukraine than anyone else, but Carney can’t get invited to peace talks.”
This feels especially harsh given Canada’s strong ties to Ukraine. With one of the world’s biggest Ukrainian communities, and as the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991, Canada has often led on this file. Trudeau built closer relations with Zelenskyy, but Carney seems to be struggling to keep that momentum. Being left out of critical meetings signals Canada is being left behind.
Trump Showing No Interest in Carney
Adding to the tension, sources say Trump would not return Carney’s calls leading up to the Ukraine peace talks. The breakdown follows a tough Oval Office meeting in May, where Trump and Carney argued over trade tariffs and Trump’s joke about making Canada America’s 51st state. Carney stood firm, saying Canada “is not for sale,” but Trump’s brush-off and remarks that he “doesn’t know what Carney wants” reveal a deeper disconnect.
Trump’s dislike for the Liberal leadership goes back years. He often clashed with Trudeau, calling him “Governor Trudeau” and setting a harsh tone. Although Trump called Carney “talented” after their first meeting, that goodwill has vanished. By not engaging Carney before major Ukraine talks, Trump made it clear he does not see Canada as a major player despite its efforts.
Trump’s warm welcome for European allies in Washington was clear. Leaders joined Zelenskyy for a group photo and public remarks, a show of unity that left Canada out. Carney’s absence has many thinking Trump wants to sideline Ottawa to show who leads the relationship, especially with trade tensions simmering in the background.
Liberal Era Sees Canada’s Influence Slip
This White House snub adds to the growing signs that Canada’s role in the world is shrinking under the Liberals. Once respected for its diplomacy, Canada is now seen as sidelined from big discussions. Critics say Liberal policies—large spending and a lack of focus on national interests—have hurt the country’s reputation. Comments online are blunt: “Liberals tanked Canada’s status. Carney is now just trying to stay relevant at home.”
Carney’s term kicked off with both local and foreign trouble. Programs like the cancelled carbon tax and large foreign aid spending, particularly for Ukraine, upset many Canadians facing high inflation and housing troubles. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been quick to attack Carney’s cabinet, calling it a repeat of Trudeau’s government and accusing them of raising taxes and debt.
Canada’s defence spending adds to the problem. Sitting at only 1.37% of GDP in 2024, Canada falls short of NATO’s 2% target, creating another sore spot with Trump, who has told allies to boost spending as high as 5%. Carney’s promise to hit 2% by 2030 is widely seen as too slow, especially as rivals like China and Russia grow more active in places like the Arctic. With so many challenges, Canada is being left out of key talks like these for Ukraine.
A Wake-Up Call for Ottawa?
Being left out of the White House gathering means more than hurt feelings for Canada’s leaders. It reflects a wider loss of respect. While Carney has said he backs Trump’s push for peace and stressed Canada’s role in the “Coalition of the Willing,” his lack of an invitation tells another story. European leaders, on the other hand, have kept themselves at the heart of the Ukraine response, while Ottawa is left with digital meetings and news releases.
Canada’s huge bill for supporting Ukraine—now at $12.4 billion—has people debating the country’s priorities. Many ask why Canada’s generosity is not matched by greater influence. The Liberal team often cites its “unwavering” support, but Carney’s role looks limited next to the major players.
As Trump works toward a three-way meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin, Canada faces the risk of falling even further out of the loop. The prospect of peace talks leading to new deals—possibly at Ukraine’s expense—has allies on alert, and Canada’s voice is missing. For a country that takes pride in moral leadership, not being part of these talks is a hard reality.
Carney has a tough challenge if he wants to put Canada back on the world stage and repair ties with Trump. Upcoming meetings with European leaders might give Canada a chance to recover some ground, but the damage from this diplomatic snub will not be easily fixed. At home, rising frustration and a focused Conservative opposition are waiting for any Liberal mistakes.
For Canadians facing rising costs, the real question is whether the billions sent to Ukraine brought the country any closer to its global goals. For Carney, the challenge is showing that Canada still matters abroad. As someone posted on X, “Respect must be earned.” Right now, many see the Liberal team as failing to deliver.
