Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, delivered the message he intended for Canadians to hear: that Canada is “not for sale.” However, during the 33-minute exchange with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump repeatedly suggested Canada should become the 51st US state.
Despite Trump’s repeated description of the meeting as “friendly,” his actions suggested otherwise. The tone was set before the meeting began, with Trump posting on Truth Social that the U.S. provides Canada with “FREE Military Protection” and doesn’t require Canadian energy, lumber, or cars. He wrote that the U.S. only needs their friendship, which he hoped to maintain.
This was Carney’s first White House visit since his Liberal Party’s victory over the Conservatives. Trump began by praising Carney as a “very good person” and complimented his electoral success, calling it potentially “greater than mine.” Carney reciprocated, calling Trump a “transformational president” and acknowledging his focus on the American worker, border security, and combating fentanyl.
The atmosphere shifted when Trump was asked about his belief that Canada should join the U.S. He argued that Canadians would benefit from lower taxes, improved security, and better healthcare as part of the United States.
Carney responded by using Trump’s real estate experience as a point of reference, stating that some places, like the White House or Buckingham Palace, are “never for sale.” He affirmed that after discussions with Canadian stakeholders, Canada is not, and will never be, for sale, emphasizing the potential of a strong partnership.
Carney emphasized his government’s commitment to investing in Canada’s security and defending the Arctic. However, Trump later reiterated his belief that Canada would eventually become part of the U.S., saying “Never say never,” prompting Carney to repeatedly mouth “never” as reporters asked questions.
Trump justified his expansionist view by describing himself as “artistic” and liking the aesthetic of a larger, unified border on a map. He clarified that this was not an immediate prospect but a decision for Canada to make over time.
Carney countered, stating that Canadians’ perspective on becoming the 51st state would not change.
Since taking office, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, cars, and auto parts, as well as other resources such as potash. Canada has retaliated with tariffs on various U.S. goods, including beer, orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, and appliances.
The two countries plan to negotiate these rates, potentially reopening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Trump expressed willingness to eliminate the USMCA altogether, while Carney viewed it as a basis for broader negotiations with necessary adjustments.
As Trump continued to advocate for a potential merger, he seemed aware that the meeting could escalate into a confrontation, recalling a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump repeatedly stated, “This is very friendly,” seemingly trying to ensure a positive atmosphere, contrasting it with a previous “blow up” with another leader.