During a tense yet straightforward initial meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly dismissed President Donald Trump’s persistent idea of Canada joining the U.S. as its 51st state, stating firmly, “Canada is not for sale.”
Unbothered, Trump replied with a smirk, “Only time will tell.”
The remark came during a private Oval Office meeting that transitioned into a working lunch, where the two leaders addressed tense trade relations, ongoing U.S. tariffs on Canadian products, and increasing pressure within Canada to lessen its economic reliance on the United States.
Later, Trump remarked, “It would be a wonderful marriage, Canada and the United States. Think of the possibilities,” and went on to say, “We’ll work through some tough issues. I’d love a new trade deal. Expect a very, very big announcement before my trip to the Middle East.”
Carney, who was elected just last month on a platform promising to confront Trump’s economic aggression, remained calm but unwavering. “We’re here to protect Canadian jobs, Canadian sovereignty, and Canadian values,” he stated. “That begins with setting firm boundaries—Canada is not for sale, and it never will be.”
Trump’s Pre-Meeting Rant Set a Combative Tone
Just hours before Carney’s arrival, Trump dampened the diplomatic atmosphere with a fiery post on Truth Social, declaring, “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…”
Trump accused Canada of being a burden on the U.S. economy, falsely alleging that America subsidizes its northern neighbor by $200 billion a year and provides “FREE Military Protection.” He went so far as to question why the United States should maintain any trade relationship with Canada at all.
This kind of rhetoric is nothing new—Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of absorbing Canada, once referring to the border as an “artificial line” dividing what he called a “beautiful country.” His administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, labeling Canada a “socialist regime feeding off America.”
Carney’s team had signaled in advance that the prime minister anticipated “difficult but constructive” discussions. Still, the mood was overshadowed by Trump’s threats, with Canadian officials cautioning that no meaningful progress could be expected unless the U.S. softened its aggressive posture.