Mark Carney Trump Meeting: Canada Not for Sale, Says PM in White House Talks

In his first official Mark Carney Trump meeting as prime minister, Carney sat down with the U.S. president at the White House for a high-stakes discussion on trade, border policy, and Canada’s sovereignty. While the conversation remained mostly cordial, Carney firmly rejected Trump’s renewed talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, stating clearly: “Canada is not for sale—ever.”

Despite no immediate deal on lifting punishing tariffs, both leaders agreed to open negotiations for a new bilateral trade agreement. Carney described the talks as “constructive” and said he left Washington more optimistic than when he arrived.

Carney Pushes Back on Tariffs and Statehood Talk

PM Carney met Trump at the White House, aiming to reset diplomatic relations after months of tariffs and tension. The prime minister emphasized Canada’s independence, saying clearly that “Canada is not for sale.” Trump, ever the real estate developer, joked about annexation but admitted “it takes two to tango.”

“I’ve met with the owners of Canada over the campaign,” Carney said. “It won’t be for sale — ever.”

Trade, Tariffs, and Tentative Progress

Although Trump wouldn’t commit to removing punishing tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and cars, he agreed to begin new trade negotiations. Carney called the outcome “positive in many respects,” though he stressed there’s “a lot more work to do.”

Trump, for his part, praised Carney as “a very good person” and said relations are “on a better trajectory” now that Justin Trudeau is gone.

Still No Movement on Fentanyl-Related Tariffs

Carney also challenged Trump on the fentanyl tariffs imposed under Section 232, which the U.S. claims target Canada’s lax border enforcement. Carney pointed to data showing very little fentanyl crosses the U.S.-Canada border and said the tariffs are not based on reality.

Canadian officials said the meeting was respectful, even when Carney had to raise his hand to get a word in during Trump’s lengthy off-topic remarks.

From NATO to Hockey, a Wide-Ranging Conversation

In addition to trade, the two discussed border security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Iran. Trump praised Canada as a “very special place,” pointed to his friendship with Wayne Gretzky, and called Carney’s election “one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics.”

However, Trump also threatened Canada’s auto industry, claimed the U.S. “subsidizes” Canada by $200 billion (a false assertion), and floated the idea of dissolving CUSMA unless changes are made.

Do you think Carney can hold his ground in future talks with Trump, or will Canada face more pressure?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-trump-first-meeting-washington-1.7527102 
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g4gw18753o 
• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/world/canada/trump-carney-white-house-meeting-us-canada.html