A recording obtained by the Canadian Press reportedly captures Vice President JD Vance speaking at a private fundraiser in Southampton, New York, where he allegedly mocked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In the audio, Vance reportedly characterizes Carney’s efforts to negotiate trade terms with the U.S. as an attempt to “out-tough” President Donald Trump. According to the report, Vance described the Canadian leader as “very sweet” while suggesting that Canada had ultimately capitulated in the face of U.S. pressure.

These comments arrive during a period of heightened economic friction between the two nations. The Trump administration has recently signaled the possibility of imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that has prompted intense diplomatic efforts from Ottawa. While the Guardian reports that the audio reflects a dismissive stance toward Canadian leadership, the context of the remarks appears to be a closed-door event intended for political donors. The authenticity of the recording has been cited by the Canadian Press, though the Vice President’s office has not yet provided a formal response to the specific content of the leaked remarks. The report highlights the contrast between public diplomatic decorum and the private rhetoric used by administration officials when discussing international counterparts during high-stakes trade disputes.