Far from the ineffective world leader his leftist critics at home claim he’s become, President Donald Trump continues to wield significant respect and influence on a global scale.
One recent example came during the NATO summit in Turkey, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave his political foe some acknowledgement for making the case that other nations need to increase their contributions to the alliance.
As Fox News reported:
“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.”
ADVERTISEMENTCarney 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 has repeatedly criticized Trump over his tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
The acknowledgement attracted some attention on social media:
Finally! About time our useless government acknowledged this truth. Too many NATO members, Canada included, were shirking their NATO responsibilities.
— 😁 Relaxing Blonde (@relaxingblonde) July 8, 2026
🚨 WOW! Canada PM Mark Carney just came out and ADMITTED "TRUMP WON the argument" on NATO after 47 told them to stop freeloading
The fake news is furious! 🔥
"He's not just WINNING the argument — he's WON the argument…countries need to take more responsibility." pic.twitter.com/5UwBfBlvcz
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 8, 2026
So, to pay the USA back for being so generous you provided Germany with the contract to build Canada's submarines?
Nice neighbor.
— @Dawleigh (@Dawleigh1) July 8, 2026
As The Hill reported, Trump used the opportunity to share his thoughts about Spain’s notoriously meager contributions:
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore by the way,” Trump said, sitting alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the group’s summit in Ankara, Turkey.
ADVERTISEMENT“Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate. They don’t pay,” the president continued. “I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits,” he said.
“Watch them come running back. Oh they’ll come running back,” he added.
Trump also accused Madrid of treating Rutte “terribly,” telling the NATO chief he “shouldn’t carry” Spain.
Here’s a longer clip of Carney’s remarks:
Mark Carney on Trump and NATO spending: "It's not just he's winning the argument, he's won the argument. Countries recognize that they need to take more responsibility." pic.twitter.com/yVXHDNgHJv
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 8, 2026
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