Did Canada’s Mark Carney say he was prepared for US invasion?

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            <p class="fact_check_info_description">The New York Times paraphrased remarks from Carney, who explained that over the preceding year, he accounted for the "extreme tail risk" of a U.S. military directive from Trump against Canada. Carney also highlighted that he maintains routine communication with Trump. Inquiries have been sent to Carney's office for further clarification.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb386e37-7fff-b94a-f568-2ea9c0921200"><span>In September 2026, social media posts began circulating online asserting that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged Canada's readiness for a potential U.S. invasion. A specific </span><a href="https://x.com/WeAreCanProud/status/2103108439094460496"><span>X post</span></a><span> (</span><a href="https://perma.cc/RS2Y-NJUS"><span>archived</span></a><span>) featuring this assertion stated:</span></p>

<blockquote>
    <p dir="ltr"><span>Mark Carney shared with The New York Times during a Wednesday interview that he evaluated the scenario of Donald Trump initiating a military incursion into Canada, maintaining that "it would be irresponsible not to" plan for such an eventuality.</span></p>
</blockquote>

<p dir="ltr"><span>Although Carney did confirm taking precautions over the prior year regarding the "extreme tail risk" of a Trump-ordered military advance, portions of his statement were paraphrased by The New York Times. Furthermore, he emphasized his ongoing dialogue with Trump. Consequently, the claim is evaluated as true, accompanied by necessary context.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr"><span>Verifications regarding Carney's precise phrasing were sought by contacting his office, and updates will be provided should a statement be issued.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr"><span>During a discussion on Sept. 23, 2026, Carney </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/world/canada/mark-carney-canada-us-trump-tariffs.html"><span>spoke with representatives from The New York Times</span></a><span>. The published article noted:</span></p>

<blockquote>
    <p dir="ltr"><span>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that throughout the past year, he accounted for the "extreme tail risk" involving potential military actions directed by President Trump against Canada, while also mentioning that the two leaders communicate "frequently," even following the breakdown of trade discussions the month prior, reflecting a complex and shifting dynamic.</span></p>
</blockquote>

<p dir="ltr"><span>Addressing questions from the Times concerning Trump's </span><a href="https://time.com/7297490/trump-plan-to-annex-canada-51st-state-mark-carney/"><span>repeated suggestions regarding the annexation of Canada</span></a><span> as the 51st U.S. state, Carney refrained from getting into specifics, stating, "I think you have a responsibility in these roles to look at extreme tail risk." The Times subsequently paraphrased his following remarks:</span></p>

<blockquote>
    <p dir="ltr"><span>"That's just risk management. That's not a base case, but it would be irresponsible not to" prepare.</span></p>
</blockquote>

<p dir="ltr"><span>Regarding his interactions with the U.S. President, Carney added:</span></p>

<blockquote>
    <p dir="ltr"><span>From my perspective, we have a good relationship in the sense of we can pick up the phone and talk to each other about issues … He's direct. I'm direct in terms of where positions are. It's much more efficient that way, and so you know that exists and that will continue to exist.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Additional analyses regarding various </span><a href="https://www.snopes.com/collections/mark-carney-collection/"><span>rumors</span></a><span> concerning Carney are available through previous coverage.</span></p>