Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made headlines today with a passionate “No” to US President Donald Trump’s provocative suggestion that Canada should be the 51st American state.
Carney sent a strong message in a Tuesday meeting at the White House . “Canada is not for sale,” he told President Trump in the Oval Office. “It won’t be for sale — ever.”
The comment was prompted by a remark from Trump that Canada should be made its 51st state.
It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two men since Carney won the elections last month. The former central banker campaigned on a stridently anti-Trump platform, vowing to resist US interference in Canadian affairs.
In the Oval Office, Trump joked about Carney’s rise to power, saying he believed he was the greatest thing that had ever happened to Carney. He added that Carney’s victory was probably one of the greatest political comebacks in history — even better than his own.
Carney did not laugh off Trump’s proposal despite the humor. He remarked that, as anyone in real estate would know, some properties are never for sale — and Canada, he emphasized, was one of them.
Canadians value their independence, Carney stressed, and no one will ever agree to be a part of the United States.
He added that he had spoken to the real owners of Canada — the people — and they had clarified that Canada was not on the market.
But Trump said , “never say never,” after Canada’s PM said that Canada is not for sale. He insists it won’t make talks harder and points out that even “not doable” deals get done if they’re in the interests of both parties and are made by negotiators who become friends.
Carney challenges Trump on tariffs and trade
The exchange of territory was not the only thing on the table. Carney challenged Trump’s overlong-running trade disputes , including US tariffs on Canadian steel, lumber, and cars.
Canada is protesting that the tariffs would be illegal under the existing free-trade agreement — the same pact Trump vowed to scrap shortly after taking office. Carney urged them to back off, regretting the damage to Canadian businesses and jobs.
However, Trump refused, insisting that the US does not need products from Canada. He said the country is building several steel industries, and the tariffs will soon make sense to Americans.
Analysts say the crisis could be costly for both economies. Canadian manufacturers are already cutting back, and some American companies are getting pinched by the higher prices.
Canadians stand firm against the US annexation idea
In Canada, Trump’s annexation comments sent a shudder of dismay. Criticism was swift on social media. Canadian politicians of all stripes quickly criticized the proposal. A public opinion poll released yesterday shows that more than 85% of Canadians would be against any suggestion to become part of the US.
Carney later released a short statement, saying that he believes in strong relations with the US — but on equal footing.
The two shook hands to close the meeting, but that doesn’t mean tension has subsided.
The two sides agreed to continue discussing a trade deal, but no new deals were announced. Analysts said the divide will likely grow in the months ahead, especially as the US election season heats up.
But Carney’s tough talk is winning applause at home. Many Canadians consider his strong words a much-needed contrast to Trump’s escalating aggressiveness.
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