The National Citizens Coalition has accused Mark Carney of hypocrisy following his cordial meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The group described the prime minister's performance as a stunning reversal from the anti-American stance that defined his recent election campaign.
In a strongly worded statement, the NCC criticized Carney's White House visit, arguing that his actions undermine the pledges he made to Canadians, particularly those concerned about US interference and the erosion of Canadian sovereignty.
"Mark Carney sold Canadians a story of aggressive defiance against Trump, but this meeting proves he's more interested in reaping the rewards than holding convictions," NCC President Peter Coleman said. "This isn't leadership — it's hypocrisy."
During the 2025 campaign, Carney and the Liberal Party leaned heavily into rhetoric opposing Trump's trade policies and his controversial suggestion that Canada could become America's 51st state.
The message resonated with left-leaning voters, especially younger Canadians and former NDP supporters, helping the Liberals secure a minority government.
Polls at the time showed Liberal support surged due largely to voter anxiety over Trump's re-election and allegations that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was too much like Trump.
The NCC contended, however, that Carney’s swift pivot — meeting Trump with smiles and civility — betrays those who believed in his tough stance. The group claims the Liberals cynically exploited anti-Trump sentiment to win votes, only to abandon those principles once in power.
"Trump's shadow loomed large over this election, and the Liberals milked it for every vote," Coleman said. "Canadians deserve to know if Carney's tough talk was just a ploy to ride anti-Trump sentiment to power, only to cozy up to him afterward."
The NCC also pointed to concerns over what it calls a lack of transparency and ideological consistency from Carney, criticizing the media for failing to adequately scrutinize his beliefs and motivations.
In its statement, the NCC demanded that Carney explain how his meeting with Trump aligns with the hardline rhetoric used on the campaign trail, particularly as it related to Canadian sovereignty and foreign influence.
"We will not stand idly by while Carney exploits sovereignty concerns and election interference for political points," Coleman concluded. "It's time to reclaim the Canadian Dream from low-cunning leaders who say one thing and do another."