‘Canada won’t be for sale’: Carney-Trump showdown at the White House

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a strong message for US President Donald Trump when the two leaders met at the White House in Washington on May 6. Carney, who returned to power just days ago after his Liberal Party emerged as the single-largest party in Canada’s federal election, stood by his stance that his country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.“Canada won’t be for sale, ever,” he told the US President, who has been harping about making the northern neighbour a part of America.

Trump’s remarks about the US-Canada border being “artificial” and his vision of a “beautiful marriage” between the two nations were met with Carney’s firm response. “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale.”

A mix of cordiality and contention marked the dialogue between the two leaders. While Trump lauded Carney’s leadership, he reiterated his controversial stance on US tariffs against Canadian imports, asserting that no argument could persuade him to lift them. He claimed the US subsidizes Canada by $200 billion annually and provides free military protection.

The visit to the Oval Office was Carney’s first international trip as prime minister following his remarkable comeback in the federal election in Canada.

Trump called Carney’s election victory “one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics,” and acknowledged that the two leaders had a “really good” and “friendly” meeting. He also reaffirmed his affection for Canada, noting his deep personal ties to the country.“I love Canada. I have great family and friends there. My mother lived in Canada,” Trump said, referring to his mother’s time in Montreal.Although Carney asked Trump to stop referring to Canada as “the 51st state,” a label the president has used increasingly in recent months. Trump only said, “Never say never.”

Carney also highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions on trade, military cooperation, and other bilateral issues while maintaining a diplomatic tone.

The meeting touched upon the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with Trump suggesting it might serve as a transitional step toward a more robust Canada-US trade deal.

Behind the camera flashes and soundbites, the meeting also tackled serious economic issues. Trump stood firm on maintaining his controversial tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and auto parts.

Carney said he would continue pressing for the removal of those tariffs and emphasized that Canada’s auto and resource sectors could contribute meaningfully to North American manufacturing.

Carney described the talks as “constructive” and “wide-ranging.” He confirmed that further negotiations will continue, including at the upcoming G7 Summit in Alberta.