During a tense Oval Office meeting on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly told President Donald Trump that Canada is “not for sale,” pushing back against Trump’s renewed suggestion that it should become the 51st U.S. state. “Some places aren’t for sale—and Canada is one of them,” Carney said, while emphasizing the importance of continued partnership between the two nations. Trump, undeterred, insisted, “Never say never,” hinting that political change is always possible.
The leaders also clashed over trade, with Carney criticizing U.S. tariffs and reaffirming Canada’s position as America’s largest trading partner. Trump refused to lift existing levies on Canadian goods and warned of potential future tariffs.
Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau and campaigned on opposing Trump’s stance toward Canada, argued that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) needs revisions. Despite the firm disagreements, Trump congratulated Carney on his election win and described their meeting as “friendly,” even as tensions over trade and sovereignty loomed large.
