The new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, informed President Donald Trump that Canada is not for sale, addressing Trump’s suggestions that Canada should join the United States as the 51st state.
During their initial meeting at the White House, Carney countered Trump’s ideas by employing a real estate analogy familiar to Trump, stating some properties are simply not available.
“Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale ever,” Carney said at the White House.
Trump remained unconvinced, suggesting that time could alter the situation, using his phrase “never say never” in reference to Canada’s future status as a U.S. state.
The dialogue underscored tensions between the allies, with Carney, elected partly on an anti-Trump platform, needing to address Trump’s expansionist stance while preserving diplomatic ties.
Carney reiterated that Canadians are firm in their stance against becoming the 51st state, aiming to end further debate. Despite this, Trump consistently argued that Canada would benefit from U.S. statehood.
The meeting followed months of Trump’s statements, including an April interview with TIME magazine where he denied “trolling” about making Canada a state, and claimed the U.S. incurs costs supporting Canada’s military and other sectors.
Trump’s territorial ambitions extend beyond Canada, as he has shown interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, despite rejections from Danish and Greenlandic officials. Greenland, a Danish territory, holds strategic value due to its location and resources like rare earth minerals.
In March, Trump stated to Congress that the U.S. would secure Greenland “one way or the other,” citing security needs. Greenland’s prime minister affirmed the territory “is not for sale and cannot simply be taken.”
Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland in March to tour the U.S. military’s Pituffik Space Base, confirming the administration’s interest in expanding its presence on the island. Donald Trump Jr. also visited Greenland in January, indicating serious consideration of acquisition.
Trump has also expressed intentions to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, transferred to Panama in 1999. During his congressional address, Trump claimed efforts had “already started” to regain control, pointing to a deal involving an American company managing key ports.
Trump frames his canal interests as a security matter, inaccurately claiming Chinese operation. Panama has repeatedly clarified that the canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority.
When questioned about potential military action to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump did not dismiss the possibility, emphasizing their importance to American security interests.
Despite sovereignty tensions, Trump and Carney described their meeting as constructive, with mutual compliments exchanged, contrasting Trump’s past relations with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The leaders discussed trade, with Trump maintaining tariffs on Canadian goods. A 25% tariff applies to products non-compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), alongside a 10% tariff on Canadian oil and 25% on cars, parts, steel, and aluminum.
Carney argued the tariffs exploit aspects of the USMCA, suggesting changes are needed. The leaders agreed to discuss renegotiating or potentially terminating the deal over the next year.
Despite disagreements, Trump called the meeting “great” and was optimistic about future relations. Carney also noted the talks were productive, highlighting “comprehensive tangible exchanges.”
The leaders are set to meet again at the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, where discussions on trade and territorial sovereignty are expected to continue.