Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House on Tuesday for his first talks with Donald Trump and bluntly told the US president that Canada would never be for sale.
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In their first face-to-face meeting, US President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney exchanged pleasantries and pointed disagreements, clashing on trade tariffs, the future of Canada-US relations and the controversial idea of
Canada joining the US as its 51st state.
The Oval Office talks which began on a friendly note grew tense as Trump refused to lift tariffs and Carney firmly rejected any suggestion of Canadian statehood. Here are the key takeaways from their meeting:
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Trump doubles down on tariffs, Carney stands firm on sovereignty
The meeting between Donald Trump and Mark Carney ended on a tense note as the US president refused to lift tariffs on Canadian imports, insisting the US doesn’t need cars or steel from its northern neighbour. Carney, in turn, reiterated Canada’s sovereignty, saying that “Canada is not for sale”—a stance that reportedly helped him win his recent election. Trump playfully responded, “never say never,” while Carney mouthed “never” to reporters.
Trump revives ‘51st state’ idea, Carney pushes back
Despite the light tone at times, Trump revisited his controversial suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. He called it a potential “wonderful marriage” but acknowledged it would take two sides to agree. Carney firmly rejected the notion both publicly and privately, stating, “It won’t be for sale ever.” Trump responded that “Canada loves us and we love Canada,” hinting that anything could happen “over time.”
Uncertainty looms over USMCA as Trump questions its future
Trump cast doubt on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), suggesting the trade pact may no longer be necessary. He describe