Carney Tells Trump Canada Is Not for Sale During First White House Visit
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his position clear during his first official meeting with Donald Trump on Tuesday, rejecting any notion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” Carney told the former property mogul, adding, “It’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.” Trump responded with a grin, “Never say never,” but the meeting remained largely cordial, with both leaders exchanging praise in front of reporters.
While the tone was friendly, the conversation touched on serious disagreements, particularly tariffs and trade. Carney, elected last month to stand up to Trump, pressed the president to drop steep tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos. Trump was blunt: “No. It’s just the way it is,” though he later said both sides would work through “tough points.” Carney said the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) might need changes, while Trump insisted it was already “a good deal for everybody,” as long as it’s followed.
Despite Trump’s repeated claims that the U.S. doesn't need Canadian goods. “We don’t want cars from Canada,” he said. Carney emphasized that both countries benefit from trade and cooperation. Speaking after the meeting, he called the talks “constructive” and confirmed that follow-up discussions would continue in the coming weeks. He also once again urged Trump to stop referring to Canada as a future U.S. state, saying, “It’s not useful.”
