Washington, D.C., May 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a high-profile and unusually candid meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada is “not for sale,” rebuffing repeated and unsolicited suggestions from Trump that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States.
Sitting side-by-side in the gilded Oval Office before a room of reporters, the two leaders exchanged compliments and policy positions for over 30 minutes in what Trump described as a “friendly” encounter—despite remarks that pointed to underlying tensions.
Trump set the tone for the meeting earlier in the day with a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, claiming the U.S. provides Canada with “FREE Military Protection” and that the U.S. does not require Canadian resources or products. “We don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain,” the former president wrote.
During their joint appearance, Trump praised Carney’s recent election victory, calling it “one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics—maybe even greater than mine.” Carney responded diplomatically, describing Trump as a “transformational president” and commending his efforts on economic and security fronts.
However, the meeting turned increasingly awkward as Trump reiterated his long-standing belief that Canada should consider joining the United States, arguing that Canadians would benefit from lower taxes, stronger defense, and improved healthcare under U.S. governance.
Carney, maintaining composure, offered a carefully crafted response. “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. The one we’re sitting in right now. You know, Buckingham Palace, which you visited as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it is not for sale—won’t be for sale, ever,” he said. He emphasized instead the value of “partnership” and mutual development.
Trump, pressing the point, added, “Never say never,” prompting Carney to be seen silently mouthing the word “never” five times as the room filled with shouted questions from journalists.
Both leaders touched on key bilateral issues, including national defense, Arctic security, and ongoing trade tensions. Carney confirmed Canada’s intent to increase defense spending, while Trump referred to his earlier imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, and agricultural inputs. In response, Canada had levied retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. goods.
Looking ahead, the leaders acknowledged upcoming negotiations over tariffs and the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump said he may seek to “adjust or terminate.” Carney, while open to adjustments, stressed that USMCA should serve as a framework for broader discussions.
Despite Trump’s insistence on the potential for eventual unification of the two countries, Carney drew a clear line. “Respectfully, Canadians’ view on this is not going to change—on the 51st state,” he said.
As the meeting drew to a close, Trump sought to reaffirm the meeting’s tone. “This is very friendly,” he said. “This is not going to be like—we had another little blow up with somebody else. This is a very friendly conversation.”
The meeting, Carney’s first as Prime Minister following his recent electoral victory, underscored both the enduring alliance and the deep political contrasts between Ottawa and Washington in an era of shifting global dynamics.
