U.S. admiral declines to specify when he'd follow orders to attack Canada amid rising tensions
At a military conference in Victoria Wednesday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo said he follows presidential orders while deflecting questions about conditions under which he'd act against a NATO ally.
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Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, head of U.S. Pacific Command, declined to say under what circumstances he would follow an order to attack Canada during the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference in Victoria on Wednesday, September 2.
When a reporter asked the question, Paparo called it "needlessly emotional" and described the scenario of attacking Canada as "utterly preposterous." He stated that "Canada is a close ally" but added: "I follow the orders of the president." He later suggested the question was absurd by asking, "Will you ask me, please, also, what my attack plans are for the Martians?" — though he later said journalists shouldn't quote that line.
Paparo said militaries are "designed to remain apolitical." General Jennie Carignan, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, was present at the news conference and praised relations between the U.S. and Canadian militaries.
The exchange reflects rising diplomatic strain. Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have collapsed, and Trump has revived threats to annex Canada. The White House posted an image on social media August 26 showing a bald eagle pinning a Canada goose. U.S. officials have publicly mocked Canadian military capabilities — Transport Secretary Sean Duffy claimed Canada doesn't have a military, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made fun of Canadian army cadets online, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed the threat Canada could pose, mocking "submarines from the Edmonton mall."
Canadian veterans have voiced anger at the insults online. Serving Canadian Forces members have stated that U.S. counterparts are embarrassed by their government's actions and have privately voiced support for Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Americans are demanding concessions that would eliminate some Canadian firms and undercut Canadian sovereignty, and called for the Canadian Forces to reduce reliance on U.S.-produced military goods. Senior Canadian military leadership, however, continues to advocate for buying American defence equipment according to some Canadian defence suppliers.
By the numbers
When did the White House post an image mocking Canada on social media?
The White House posted an image on social media on August 26, 2026, showing a bald eagle pinning a Canada goose.
Who attended the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference in Victoria on September 2?
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, head of U.S. Pacific Command, and General Jennie Carignan, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, were present at the news conference during the conference.
