Mark Carney Jokes About Teleprompter, Takes Swipe at Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made light of a teleprompter malfunction during a housing policy news conference on Wednesday, using the unexpected interruption to take a subtle jab at U.S. President Donald Trump.

While speaking in Toronto, Carney paused after his teleprompter stopped working and joked with reporters, saying, “I would like to inform you that the teleprompter has ceased to function. Unlike a certain world leader, I do not view this as a conspiracy.” The remark drew laughter from those attending the event.

Carney’s comment appeared to reference an incident involving Trump at the United Nations General Assembly last year. During his speech, Trump experienced technical problems, including a halted escalator and a teleprompter malfunction, prompting him to call for an investigation into the issues.

Neither Carney’s office nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment following the Canadian leader’s remarks.

The exchange comes as relations between Canada and the United States remain strained under Trump’s administration. Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports and repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Those statements and trade measures have fueled tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Carney has consistently opposed Trump’s trade agenda, pledging to defend Canada’s economic interests while seeking to reduce the country’s dependence on the United States. His government has also emphasized strengthening diplomatic and trade partnerships with other nations.

The Canadian prime minister has gained international attention for criticizing the changing global political landscape. He has argued that the traditional rules-based international order is weakening and warned that major powers are increasingly using economic integration as a geopolitical weapon.

Although the teleprompter malfunction briefly interrupted the housing announcement, Carney quickly regained control of the event, turning the technical issue into a humorous moment while reinforcing his broader criticism of Trump’s approach to politics and international relations.