Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered a lighthearted response to President Donald Trump mistakenly calling him a “president” during globally televised remarks in Egypt.
“I’m glad you upgraded me to ‘president,’” the prime minister quipped in comments to Trump caught on a hot mic after world leaders gathered for the “Summit for Peace” conference.
Carney’s humorous gesture followed an incident that went viral during Trump’s speech, as the president began recognizing international leaders for their support in backing the Gaza ceasefire.
“Where is Canada, by the way?” Trump questioned, craning his neck to scrutinize the world leaders behind him.
Eventually locking eyes with Carney, Trump said, “I appreciate you being here, Mr. President.”
The prime minister appeared rather confused as he processed the mistake, blinking a few times as he stared back at Trump.
The president continued with his speech without further incident.
Carney circled back to the moment after Trump wrapped up his remarks in Sharm el Sheikh. The prime minister seemed to have found the mishap more humorous than offensive, grinning at Trump as he said, captured on a hot mic, “I’m glad you upgraded me to ‘President.’” Trump smiled back.
The leaders were together for the Summit for Peace in Egypt, which included an official signing ceremony for the Gaza peace plan.
Overall, Carney and Trump’s relationship appears to have thawed in recent months. The president previously caught Canada’s ire for repeatedly suggesting the United States’ northern neighbor should become the 51st state.
During a meeting in the Oval Office last week, Carney heaped praise on Trump’s effort to bring an end to the war in Gaza.
“For the first time in decades, hundreds of years, thousands of years, this prospect of peace that you’ve made possible, Canada stands foursquare behind those efforts,” he told the president.
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Trump returned the praise, calling Carney a “world-class leader.”
“We want Canada to do great,” the president said.
