Carney's actions towards Trump criticized as submissive or overly obedient by Lloyd Axworthy.
Former Liberal foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy has publicly rebuked Prime Minister Mark Carney's diplomatic approach towards U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing concerns over the lack of firmness and clear principles in Canada's dealings with the American leader[1][2].
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Axworthy criticized the recent NATO summit, stating that it did not sufficiently address Ukraine's sovereignty and failed to commit alliance members to a defence spending level that wouldn't lead to cuts in social programs and foreign aid[1]. He also expressed unease about the potential control of military technology, such as black boxes in airplanes and destroyers, by the Pentagon[1].
Axworthy's criticism extends beyond the NATO summit. He is particularly concerned about Carney's decision to rescind the digital services tax that targeted American tech giants, as the prime minister and Trump undertake "secret" trade negotiations with no parliamentary scrutiny[1][2]. Axworthy suggests that Ottawa should collaborate with countries Trump has discussed absorbing to mount a campaign promoting rules-based trade and peace in the Arctic[1].
In January, Axworthy proposed a collaboration between Ottawa and certain countries to foster rules-based trade and peace in the Arctic[1]. He reiterated this idea, emphasizing the importance of involving Indigenous Peoples as partners in government decisions, not just as consultants[1].
Axworthy's comments come at a time when he has endorsed Chrystia Freeland instead of Carney in the Liberal leadership race, citing Carney's lack of political experience[3]. He also issued an online broadside against the Carney government, criticizing the rush to pass Bill C-5, which he believes undercuts reconciliation efforts with First Nations[3].
Carney's office has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the criticism. The impact of Axworthy's comments on Canadian foreign policy remains unclear, as there is no evidence so far that they have directly changed official policy or governmental action[1][2].
The former foreign affairs minister, who is known for overseeing the Ottawa Treaty that banned landmines in numerous countries, has been a prominent voice on international relations, including through advocacy with the World Refugee and Migration Council[4].
This report was first published on July 2, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
- Dylan Robertson is the author of this report for The Canadian Press.
References: [1] The Canadian Press (2025). Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy criticizes Prime Minister Mark Carney's approach to U.S. President Donald Trump. [online] Available at: https://www.canadianpress.com/politics/axworthy-criticizes-carneys-approach-to-trump-0_2333269 [2] CBC News (2025). Axworthy slams Carney's 'bootlicking' approach to Trump. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/axworthy-criticizes-carney-trump-1.6116941 [3] The Globe and Mail (2025). Axworthy criticizes Carney's rush to pass Bill C-5. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-axworthy-criticizes-carneys-rush-to-pass-bill-c-5/ [4] The Hill Times (2025). Axworthy: Canada needs to promote rules-based trade and peace in the Arctic. [online] Available at: https://thehilltimes.com/news/international/2025/07/02/axworthy-canada-needs-to-promote-rules-based-trade-and-peace-in-the-arctic/124962
- Lloyd Axworthy, former Liberal foreign affairs minister, has expressed concerns about Canada's diplomatic approach towards U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing Prime Minister Mark Carney's lack of firmness and clear policies in dealing with the American leader.
- In an interview, Axworthy also expressed his discontent with the NATO summit, calling it insufficient in addressing Ukraine's sovereignty and failing to commit allies to spending levels that wouldn't affect social programs and foreign aid.
- Axworthy has been vocal about Carney's decision to rescind the digital services tax targeting American tech giants, especially during secret trade negotiations with no parliamentary scrutiny.
- Beyond the NATO summit, Axworthy has shown unease about the potential control of military technology by the Pentagon and has suggested that Canada should collaborate with other countries to promote rules-based trade and peace in war-and-conflicts zones, such as the Arctic.
