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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly told Donald Trump that his country was not up for sale during a meeting at the White House on Tuesday. Rejecting the US president’s proposal to make Canada the 51st US state, Carney stated, “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale, ever.”
Despite Carney’s firm stance, Trump responded by saying, “Never say never,” hinting at the possibility of ongoing tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
The meeting between the two leaders marked the first in-person encounter since Carney’s victory in the Canadian election last month, where he ran on an anti-Trump platform. Throughout the campaign, Trump’s hostile attitude towards Canada, including threats of annexation and tariff impositions, played a significant role in Carney’s Liberal party’s success.
However, the conversation at the White House started on a lighter note, with Trump jokingly claiming credit for Carney’s victory. He praised the prime minister as a talented and good person, expressing his respect for him.
During the meeting, Carney focused on enhancing defense, strengthening the border, and combating fentanyl trafficking. Both leaders expressed openness to renegotiating the USMCA trade agreement, which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s first term and is set for review next year.
While Trump acknowledged the effectiveness of USMCA, he emphasized the need for compliance and hinted at potential changes. Carney echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement serves as a foundation for broader negotiations.
Despite the amicable tone of the meeting, Trump reiterated his skepticism towards free trade with Canada, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors. He emphasized the importance of domestic production in these industries, indicating a preference for American-made cars and steel.
Carney is set to host the G7 leaders’ summit in Alberta next month, although there was no mention of the event during the public remarks in the Oval Office.
The encounter between Carney and Trump highlights the complexities of US-Canada relations and the challenges of navigating trade agreements in a rapidly changing global landscape. Stay informed on the latest developments by unlocking the White House Watch newsletter for free.
