Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, made his first official visit to the White House on May 6, where U.S. President Donald Trump revived his long-standing idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state. What was intended as a diplomatic meeting quickly turned into a symbolic confrontation, with Carney firmly stating, “Canada is not for sale.”
Before their meeting, Trump hinted at wanting to make a deal, suggesting a “wonderful marriage” between the U.S. and Canada, which visibly irked Carney. Despite exchanging polite compliments, the conversation took an awkward turn when Trump suggested that the door to Canadian statehood was still open, saying, “Never say never.”
Carney, echoing the stance of his predecessor Justin Trudeau, emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, comparing it to iconic institutions that are too deeply rooted to be merged. “We are masters in our own home,” he asserted.
Body language expert Beth Dawson noted that while Carney appeared assertive, he also seemed slightly apprehensive next to Trump’s confident demeanor. The interaction highlighted the contrasting worldviews: Carney prioritizes Canada’s independence, while Trump views boundaries as negotiable.
