In a tense but candid first meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s longstanding notion that Canada could become the 51st US state, declaring, “Canada is not for sale.”
Trump, unfazed, responded with a smirk: “Only time will tell.”
The exchange came during a private Oval Office meeting followed by a working lunch, where the two leaders discussed strained trade relations, ongoing US tariffs on Canadian goods, and growing calls within Canada to reduce economic dependence on its southern neighbor.
Trump later told reporters, “It would be a wonderful marriage — Canada and the United States. Think of the possibilities,” before adding, “We’ll go over some tough points. I’d love a new trade deal. We’ll make a very, very big announcement before my trip to the Middle East.”
Carney, elected last month on a platform to stand up to Trump's economic aggression, remained composed but resolute. “We’re here to protect Canadian jobs, Canadian sovereignty, and Canadian values,” he said. “That starts with drawing clear lines — Canada is not for sale, and it never will be.”
Trump’s pre-meeting insults set the tone
Hours before Carney’s arrival, Trump soured the diplomatic mood by launching into an online tirade on Truth Social:
“We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship…”
He accused Canada of being a drain on the U.S. economy, falsely claiming that America subsidizes its neighbor by $200 billion annually and provides “FREE Military Protection.” He questioned why the U.S. should continue any trade at all.
Such rhetoric is not new — Trump has often floated the idea of absorbing Canada, once calling the border an “artificial line” that splits what he described as a “beautiful country.” He has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, calling Canada a “socialist regime feeding off America.”
Carney’s camp made clear ahead of the visit that the prime minister expected “difficult but constructive” talks. However, the atmosphere remained clouded by Trump’s threats, with Canadian officials warning that no breakthroughs should be expected unless the U.S. rolls back its hostile stance.
While Trump’s behavior raised eyebrows globally, Canadian analysts say Carney had little choice but to engage early and forcefully. “He needed to meet Trump head-on to protect Canada’s economic interests and signal strength to Canadian voters,” said McGill University’s Daniel Béland.
Trump, unfazed, responded with a smirk: “Only time will tell.”
The exchange came during a private Oval Office meeting followed by a working lunch, where the two leaders discussed strained trade relations, ongoing US tariffs on Canadian goods, and growing calls within Canada to reduce economic dependence on its southern neighbor.
Trump later told reporters, “It would be a wonderful marriage — Canada and the United States. Think of the possibilities,” before adding, “We’ll go over some tough points. I’d love a new trade deal. We’ll make a very, very big announcement before my trip to the Middle East.”
Carney, elected last month on a platform to stand up to Trump's economic aggression, remained composed but resolute. “We’re here to protect Canadian jobs, Canadian sovereignty, and Canadian values,” he said. “That starts with drawing clear lines — Canada is not for sale, and it never will be.”
Trump’s pre-meeting insults set the tone
Hours before Carney’s arrival, Trump soured the diplomatic mood by launching into an online tirade on Truth Social:
“We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship…”
He accused Canada of being a drain on the U.S. economy, falsely claiming that America subsidizes its neighbor by $200 billion annually and provides “FREE Military Protection.” He questioned why the U.S. should continue any trade at all.
Such rhetoric is not new — Trump has often floated the idea of absorbing Canada, once calling the border an “artificial line” that splits what he described as a “beautiful country.” He has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, calling Canada a “socialist regime feeding off America.”
Carney’s camp made clear ahead of the visit that the prime minister expected “difficult but constructive” talks. However, the atmosphere remained clouded by Trump’s threats, with Canadian officials warning that no breakthroughs should be expected unless the U.S. rolls back its hostile stance.
While Trump’s behavior raised eyebrows globally, Canadian analysts say Carney had little choice but to engage early and forcefully. “He needed to meet Trump head-on to protect Canada’s economic interests and signal strength to Canadian voters,” said McGill University’s Daniel Béland.
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