Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state during their first meeting at the White House on May 6, 2025.
Carney, who won the April 28 election by capitalizing on anti-American sentiment fueled by Trump’s annexation rhetoric and tariffs, declared, “Canada is not for sale, and it won’t be for sale, ever.”
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Trump floated potential economic incentives for a merger, such as tax reductions for Canadians, but Carney likened Canada’s sovereignty to iconic landmarks like the White House or Buckingham Palace, stating, “You don’t put a ‘for sale’ sign on them.”
Trump, while maintaining a cordial tone, responded with “never say never,” suggesting potential benefits like tax cuts for Canadians, but acknowledged it “takes two to tango.”
The meeting, described as constructive by both leaders, addressed strained U.S.-Canada relations amid Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, including cars, steel, and aluminum, which Carney called a “betrayal.”
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Carney pressed for tariff negotiations, noting Trump’s willingness to discuss but with no immediate resolution.
He also committed to increased Canadian security investments, addressing Trump’s concerns about border issues like fentanyl trafficking.
Despite the friendly exchange, Carney later told reporters at the Canadian Embassy that he asked Trump to stop referring to Canada as the 51st state, underscoring that Canadians’ stance on sovereignty is unwavering.
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Speaking later at the Canadian Embassy, Carney revealed he directly asked Trump to cease referring to Canada as a potential U.S. state, emphasizing that Canadians “have spoken clearly” on preserving their independence.
