Donald Trump recently sparked a provocative conversation with Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, suggesting that making Canada the 51st state of the U.S. might be “doable.” This was not the first time Trump floated the idea—since taking office as the 47th President, he has proposed that Canada could avoid hefty tariffs by joining the U.S., a suggestion he has now doubled down on.
Despite the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, Canada has firmly resisted Trump’s proposals. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already made it clear that Canada would never entertain becoming a U.S. state, and in return, Canada retaliated with its own tariffs.
On May 6, Trump met with Prime Minister Carney for their first official discussion since Carney’s election on April 28. While the two leaders exchanged pleasantries—Trump calling Carney “very talented” and Carney hailing Trump as a “transformational president”—Carney was resolute in his stance on Canada’s sovereignty. Echoing his predecessor’s sentiments, Carney declared, “Canada is not for sale,” drawing comparisons between Canada and landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Oval Office. “There are some places that are never for sale,” he affirmed.
Trump, however, was unyielding. Channeling a bit of Justin Bieber’s optimism, he quipped, “Never say never,” before elaborating on how many things that were once thought impossible ended up being achievable in his experience.
A body language expert analyzed the encounter, noting Carney’s mix of assertiveness and caution, observing that while he wanted to establish equal footing with Trump, he also appeared slightly intimidated.
The conversation about tariffs between the U.S. and Canada has been tense, especially as Trump continues his trade war with Canada. Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and imported vehicles has caused significant friction, with Carney making it clear that Canada would not back down. “We will win,” he said defiantly, comparing the situation to a sports rivalry and underscoring his resolve to protect Canada’s interests.
Despite the pressure from the U.S., Carney has insisted that Canada will remain steadfast in its independence. “We are masters in our own home,” he declared, emphasizing that Canada has more to offer than any foreign power can take away. This strong stand, coupled with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, signals a determined resistance to Trump’s attempts to reshape North America’s economic landscape.
The exchange between Carney and Trump comes at a pivotal moment, with Carney quickly establishing himself as a leader who is ready to confront the U.S. head-on. As he pointed out during his victory speech, Canada is prepared for a fight, and Trump’s attempts to weaken the country will not succeed. Carney’s leadership is about more than just diplomacy; it’s about unity and resilience in the face of external pressures. The trade war may continue, but Canada is determined to emerge victorious.
