Canada faces invasion without US protection: Vance

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday warned that Canada would face invasion by a foreign power without American military protection, accusing Ottawa of chronic underinvestment in defense amid an escalating trade war between the neighboring allies.

Vance warns Canada 'would get invaded' without US umbrella

Speaking to an audience in Brewer, Maine — a northern state bordering Canada — Vance delivered a stark assessment of Canadian defense capabilities. "Canada is a country that has underinvested in its military that quite literally would get invaded by a foreign country were it not for the umbrella of protection provided by the United States of America," he said. Vance's comments reflect longstanding criticism from Washington that NATO allies have failed to meet spending targets.

Ottawa accused of 'unreasonable' trade demands

The vice president also accused Canadian negotiators of sabotaging recent trade talks with last-minute conditions. "They came in with a bunch of unreasonable last-minute demands," Vance told the audience. He directed a pointed message to Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating: "I think that we should have a deal, but I think that we need to send a message loud and clear to the prime minister of Canada: stop taking advantage of the people of Maine. Stop taking advantage of America. It's over. We expect fairness in our trade policy."

Tariff escalation and NATO commitments

Vance's remarks come as President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods that took effect Saturday after negotiations collapsed. Trump on Monday threatened additional 50% duties on Canadian automobiles, auto parts, and steel starting January 2027, prompting vows of retaliation from Ottawa. Canada is a member of both NATO and NORAD, the joint US-Canadian organization responsible for monitoring North American airspace and maritime approaches, and has pledged to increase defense spending amid geopolitical tensions including Russia's war in Ukraine.