Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has "won the argument" on NATO defense spending, crediting years of U.S.pressure with prompting Canada and European allies to take on a greater share of the alliance's security burden.Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Carney said he spoke with Trump before the gathering and told him that NATO members increasingly recognize the need to boost military spending amid continued security threats from Russia."It's not just that he's winning the argument — he's won the argument," Carney told reporters.
"Countries realize they need to take more responsibility.They see the direct threats."Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference after a Cabinet meeting to discuss both trade negotiations with the U.S.
(DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images)Carney said Trump's long-standing push for allies to spend more on defense is producing results."The president is looking for a shift of the burden within NATO.That's appropriate," Carney said.
"That is happening.It is gaining momentum."The remarks mark a notable shift in tone from Carney, who has frequently criticized Trump over trade, tariffs and U.S.-Canada relations.Since taking office, the Canadian prime minister repeatedly has criticized Trump over his tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S.
state. During his victory speech in March 2025, Carney accused Trump of putting "unjustified tariffs" on Canada and declared, "He's attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won't." He also vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs until "the Americans show us respect."Despite those differences, Carney acknowledged that Trump's yearslong campaign to pressure NATO allies into increasing defense spending has succeeded.Carney said he relayed that message directly to Trump during a phone call Sunday before both leaders arrived at the sum...