The Real Message Behind Mark Carney's ‘Make America Great Again' Line

A clip of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saying “Make America Great Again” has spread widely online, fueling the phrase “Maple MAGA” and prompting mockery from some social media users.

But while Carney did use President Donald Trump’s trademark slogan during a speech in New York on Thursday, he was not endorsing Trump or the MAGA movement. Instead, he was making the case that a stronger Canadian economy benefits the United States.

Why ‘Maple MAGA’ Is Trending

The clip circulated widely after Carney told an audience at the Economic Club of New York:

“This is good for all Canadians, but it is also good for the United States, because it makes us a better ally.”

“Canada Strong will help make America great again.”

Canada Strong refers to Carney’s pledge to “stand up to Donald Trump and build a stronger Canada.”

The phrase was quickly shared alongside the term “Maple MAGA,” which is typically used to describe Canadians or Canadian political movements aligned with Trump.

Carney swept to power last year amid a wave of anti-U.S. sentimentas Trump repeatedly called Canada the 51st state and the two countries become embroiled in a trade war.

Ottawa moved closer toward European members of NATO that have also received heavy criticism from the administration, and Carney said in January the “most powerful” global players were now “using economic integration as coercion.”

But on Thursday, Carney struck a more conciliatory tone toward the U.S. ahead of a review of a free trade agreement among the United States, Mexico, and Canada, known as USMCA.

It is one of Canada’s most important economic deals, and the prime minister is facing increased pressure over the country’s economy after it fell into a technical recession-when a nation’s economic growth shrinks for two consecutive quarters.

Carney Hails ‘Mutual Strength’

Rather than endorsing MAGA, Carney said the U.S. and Canada “should work together and compete with the world together.”

“We know that, while Canada and the United States have had our differences over the years, we have always, eventually, worked through them, because our shared values and common interests run deep,” Carney added.

Roughly 99 percent of American natural gas imports come from Canada, along with 85 percent of its electricity. More than half of U.S. crude oil supplies are sourced from its northern neighbor.

“Canada is America's largest customer, buying more goods than China, Japan, and Germany combined,” Carney continued. “That is mutual strength.”

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 8:58 AM.