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In a recent meeting that could only be described as a political spectacle, Mark Carney demonstrated to Canadian voters that their decision to support the Liberal Party was indeed wise. This encounter with former President Donald Trump came with a rather audacious proposal: the suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
Trump, with his characteristic flair for persuasion, extolled the virtues of such a union:
“I still believe that it takes two to tango. But no, I do, I believe it would be a massive tax cut for Canadian citizens. You get free military, you get tremendous medical care, and other things.”
“There would be a lot of advantages, but it would be a massive tax cut. And it’s also a beautiful thing; as a real estate developer, I’m an artist at heart. When you get rid of that artificially drawn line—somebody drew that line many years ago with a ruler, just a straight line across the top of the country—it’s clear to me that it was meant to be.”
“I think it would really be a wonderful marriage because it’s two places that get along very well. They like each other a lot.”
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Faced with the rather unconventional notion of a U.S. President proposing to “purchase” Canada, Carney delivered a tactful yet firm response:
“If I may, as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. We’re sitting in one right now—Buckingham Palace, which you visited. Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it’s simply not for sale. It won’t be for sale ever.”
“But the opportunity lies in partnership and what we can build together. We have done that in the past. And part of that, as the president just said, is with respect to our own security. My government is committed to a significant increase in our investment in Canadian security and our partnership.”
“The president has revitalized international security and NATO. We will be pulling our full weight in NATO.”
One could argue that a less diplomatic response would have involved a hearty laugh at Trump’s expense or perhaps a cheeky counteroffer to sell Maine instead. However, Carney opted for a more gracious approach, saying “no” while deftly wrapping his rebuttal in the familiar language of NATO—a topic that tends to capture Trump’s attention.
In summary, Canada is not about to become the 51st state, and Trump has learned that Mark Carney is not someone to be easily swayed.
What are your thoughts on Carney’s response to Trump? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.
