Canada "Not for Sale," PM Carney Tells Trump Amid Trade and Annexation Talk

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state during their first White House meeting on Tuesday, declaring that his country is "not for sale—won’t be for sale, ever."

The meeting, held in the Oval Office, was largely amicable, with both leaders exchanging praise despite recent trade disputes and Trump’s repeated musings about annexing Canada. Carney, a former central banker who won last month’s election on a platform of standing up to Trump, responded to the president’s remarks with a measured but resolute tone.

"You know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," Carney told Trump. "Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever."

Trump, grinning, replied: "Never say never."

Trade Tensions and Tariffs Loom Over Talks

The two leaders also discussed ongoing trade disputes, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Trump defended the measures, insisting that the U.S. no longer wants to rely on Canadian goods.

"No," Trump said bluntly when asked if Carney could persuade him to lift the tariffs. "It’s just the way it is." He added that the U.S. wants to "make our own cars" and no longer needs Canadian steel or aluminum.

Still, Carney expressed cautious optimism after the meeting, telling reporters at the Canadian embassy that he had "pressed the case" for removing tariffs and found Trump "willing to have that negotiation." He acknowledged, however, that the process would involve "zigs and zags" and difficult discussions.

A Contrast to Past Clashes

Trump compared the meeting favorably to his February clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling Tuesday’s discussion "very friendly." He also took a swipe at Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, with whom he had a notably strained relationship.

Carney, meanwhile, described Trump as a "transformational president" with a "relentless focus on the American worker" and credited him with revitalizing NATO. Yet he also emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, pushing back against Trump’s recurring annexation rhetoric.

"Canadians’ view on this is not going to change on the 51st state," Carney said, cutting off Trump’s suggestion that attitudes might shift over time.

Economic Realities and Future Negotiations

The leaders touched on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is set to expire next year. Trump questioned whether renegotiation was necessary, while Carney called it a "basis for a broader negotiation" but acknowledged that some terms would need updating.

Trade between the two nations remains deeply intertwined, with over $760 billion in goods exchanged last year. Canada is the U.S.’s second-largest trading partner and the top export market for American goods.

Carney, who campaigned on resisting Trump’s economic policies, has vowed to "fundamentally re-imagine" Canada’s economy in response to U.S. protectionism. Despite the tensions, both leaders insisted their countries would remain allies.

"Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada," Trump said.