Canada ‘not for sale, ever’, Mark Carney warns as Trump lists benefits of becoming 51st US state

Carney replied, “It’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale—ever.” Trump smiled and said, “Never say never, never say never.”

The meeting took place as tensions remain high between the two neighbours, with trade disputes and recent US tariffs affecting steel, aluminium, and cars straining the relationship. Trump said he planned to raise “tough points” in the talks. “Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada,” he told reporters.

Carney’s Liberal Party won the April 28 election by promising to challenge Trump’s approach and redefine the Canada-US partnership. Carney, a 60-year-old former central banker, became Liberal leader in March, replacing Justin Trudeau, who had clashed with Trump during his time in office.

Before Carney’s arrival, Trump posted on Truth Social: “I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH – Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?”

The comment was made hours before Carney’s first official meeting with Trump in Washington. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and security, but Trump’s post added tension ahead of the talks.

Trump added on Truth Social, “We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.” He said his question about why the US needs anything from Canada “will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.”

Economic data does not support Trump’s claims. The US imports nearly one-quarter of its oil from Canada. Trade between the two countries includes many goods that help keep prices down and support jobs on both sides of the border.

Carney became prime minister after promising to push back against Trump’s growing pressure on Canada. He has worked as head of the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom. His party returned to power in last month’s election, helped by voter concern over Trump’s comments and trade policies.

Trump has also said in public that Canada could be the ’51st state’ of the United States. In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, he described the US-Canada border as an “artificial line” and said the two places could form ‘a beautiful country.’

Canada and the US have long had close ties in trade, security, and defence. Trump’s approach has put that relationship under strain. His administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium, and other agricultural products.