In a sharp exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, tensions flared once again over the long-standing and controversial suggestion that Canada could one day become the 51st state of America.
During their first meeting at the White House on May 6—just over a week after Carney’s election victory on April 28—Trump revisited an idea he previously floated: that Canada could avoid steep U.S. tariffs by joining the United States.
Since taking office as the 47th president, Trump has imposed aggressive trade tariffs on several countries, including Canada. His earlier “solution” to the standoff was simple: Canada should become America’s 51st state. Despite Canada responding with retaliatory 25 percent tariffs of its own, the idea has lingered.
Trump’s latest comment on the issue came during his meeting with Carney. When asked about Carney’s firm stance that Canada is not for sale, Trump reportedly offered a blunt, three-word response: “We’ll see, Mark.”
Though the two leaders exchanged public compliments—Trump called Carney a “very talented person,” while Carney referred to Trump as a “transformational president”—the Canadian prime minister made his position clear.
“Canada is not for sale,” Carney stated firmly. “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale—like Buckingham Palace or the Oval Office. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”
Carney’s remarks echoed the position of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who dismissed the idea outright during his tenure, saying it was “never going to happen.”
Despite the exchange, no formal policy shifts were announced during the meeting. But if Trump’s offhand comment is any indication, the debate—however symbolic—may be far from over.
Mark Carney joined Donald Trump at the White House yesterday (May 6) (Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
The prime minister added Canadians are ‘masters in our own home’ and ‘can give ourselves far more than any foreign government can ever take away’.
Shockingly, Trump paid no attention to his resolution.
His response? Well, channeling none other than Justin Bieber, he said: “I say, ‘Never say never’.”
And that wasn’t all…
In the wise words of Justin Bieber… (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Trump continued: “I’ve had many, many things that were not doable and ended up being doable.”
It follows a body language expert breaking down the pair’s meeting, with Beth Dawson analyzing the moment on the steps of the White House.
She claimed Carney seemed ‘assertive’ but also ‘submissive’ and ‘apprehensive’.
Dawson added: “The elbow touch, however, shows that he wants to establish connection on equal terms. His expression is one of determination. Carney is not passive, but he is also careful not to come across as overly forceful and he does seem slightly intimidated.”
Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
