In their first White House encounter, U.S. and Canada Navigate Tensions as Carney, Trump Meet to Reset Cross-Border Ties. During a high-stakes Oval Office meeting, President Trump floated the idea of annexing Canada, prompting a firm rebuke from Prime Minister Carney. Tariffs, trade, and sovereignty dominated the tense but civil talks.
“Not for Sale”: Carney Stands Firm as Trump Floats 51st State Idea in First Meeting
In a tense but diplomatically contained Oval Office meeting on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced off on critical issues including tariffs, trade policy, and Trump’s renewed suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state — a proposal Carney categorically rejected.
The leaders’ first in-person talks followed Carney’s surprise April 28 victory, in which his Liberal Party unseated a weakened Conservative coalition on promises to reset U.S.-Canada relations. Instead, Carney was immediately thrust into a high-stakes confrontation with a U.S. president unwilling to back down on tariffs or sovereignty rhetoric.
“It’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale — ever,” Carney said firmly, sitting beside Trump in the Oval Office.
Trump, never one to drop a provocation quietly, smiled and responded, “Never say never.”
Tariffs Take Center Stage
The meeting’s most contentious policy point was trade. Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, citing national security and trade imbalance concerns. Carney, echoing sentiments from his campaign, urged the president to roll them back.
“No,” Trump said when asked whether Carney could persuade him to lift tariffs.
According to Canadian officials, Carney stressed during a working lunch that future trade negotiations must include the removal of those tariffs, particularly as Canadian exporters face billions in losses and seek alternative global markets.
Trump Doubles Down on 51st State Remark
Despite the presence of diplomatic smiles, the meeting turned surreal as Trump revived a controversial idea: annexing Canada.
“Somebody drew that line [the border] with a ruler,” Trump mused. “When you look at that beautiful formation… I said: ‘That’s the way it was meant to be.’”
Carney shot back with an analogy:
“As you know from real estate, some places are never for sale. We’re sitting in one right now.”
Trump, undeterred, continued to float the idea as “a wonderful marriage,” even as Carney mouthed the word “never” repeatedly beside him.
Canada Pushes Sovereignty, Trump Offers ‘Friendship’
While Carney emphasized Canadian independence and announced a pending visit by King Charles III to underscore Canada’s monarchy and sovereignty, Trump offered only one concession: friendship.
“We don’t need anything they have, other than their friendship,” Trump said on social media ahead of the meeting.
Carney’s Strategic Approach: Calm, Firm, and Diplomatic
Carney avoided confrontation but remained firm. Behind closed doors, he directly asked Trump to stop suggesting annexation, calling it “not useful” and “a distraction.”
A Canadian official confirmed Trump “genuinely thinks it would be a good idea” and doesn’t just use it for shock value. However, Trump reportedly acknowledged that it “takes two to tango,” hinting that Canadian resistance made the idea moot — for now.
What Was Said Over Lunch: Global Affairs, Tariffs, and Fentanyl
According to senior Canadian sources, much of the leaders’ private lunch focused on foreign policy, including:
- The Russia-Ukraine war, where both leaders reportedly agreed on ending hostilities swiftly.
- Tensions with China and Iran.
- The situation in Israel and Gaza and Houthi activity in Yemen.
Carney also defended Canada’s role in curbing fentanyl trafficking, urging Trump to reconsider tariffs imposed on drug policy grounds. U.S. data shows fentanyl seizures are exponentially higher at the southern border, not the northern one.
Next Steps: G7 Summit and Trade Talks
Carney confirmed Trump has agreed to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, potentially opening the door to further discussions on trade, energy, and security.
Despite their disagreements, both leaders projected a willingness to keep dialogue open — albeit with tensions simmering just below the surface.
“We’re going to be friends with Canada,” Trump concluded. “Canada is a very special place to me.”
Also Read: Trump Offers Canada Free Entry Into ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield If It Becomes 51st State
