President Donald Trump met with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office on Tuesday and reignited his provocative push for Canada to join the United States as its 51st state — a proposal that Carney swiftly and firmly rejected.
The bilateral meeting marked the first in-person discussion between the two leaders since Carney’s unexpected election victory last week. His Liberal Party managed to overcome a double-digit deficit to defeat Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a turnaround Carney credited in part to widespread opposition to Trump’s rhetoric north of the border.
Before the two even sat down, Trump posted on Truth Social accusing the U.S. of "subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year" and offering "FREE Military Protection." He added, “They need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.”
During the meeting, Trump reiterated his long-simmering idea that it would be in Canada’s best interest to become part of the United States. “It would be much better for Canada,” he said, citing “free military, tremendous medical care, and other things” as benefits. “It would really be a wonderful marriage because it’s two places that get along very well.”
Carney, seated just feet away, responded firmly: “Canada won’t be for sale, ever.” He added, “Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale, ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership.”
Trump, unfazed, replied, “That’s true,” before changing the subject. He also noted that Canada already receives free defense from the U.S. “We’re protecting Canada if you ever have a problem,” he said, gesturing toward Carney.
Earlier in the meeting, Trump congratulated Carney on his victory, calling it “probably one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics. Maybe even greater than mine.” He also joked that his own push to absorb Canada may have inadvertently helped Carney, saying, “I think I was probably the greatest thing to happen to him.”
Carney’s win, analysts say, was fueled in part by a surge of anti-Trump sentiment among Canadian voters after the president’s comments about turning Canada into a U.S. state dominated international headlines during the final stretch of the campaign.