During a 33-minute meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made it clear that Canada is “not for sale.” Despite Trump’s repeated pitches for Canada to become the 51st state of the US, Carney patiently waited for his chance to emphasize the importance of their partnership. The awkward tone of the meeting was set early on when Trump posted on Truth Social about providing “FREE Military Protection” to Canada and downplaying the need for Canadian resources.
Carney, who recently led the Canadian Liberal Party to victory, received compliments from Trump for his political success. However, tensions rose when Trump suggested that Canadians would benefit from lower taxes and better services if they were part of the US. Carney firmly stated that Canada is not for sale, highlighting the importance of their existing relationship and collaboration.
Despite Trump’s persistence in advocating for Canada to join the US, Carney remained resolute in defending Canada’s sovereignty. The meeting also addressed ongoing trade tensions, with both countries imposing tariffs on various goods. Plans for negotiations and discussions on trade agreements were discussed, including the potential reopening of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in July 2020, was a subject of discussion this Tuesday. President Trump mentioned that he would consider eliminating the USMCA if necessary, stating, “We do have a negotiation coming up over the next year or so to adjust it or terminate it.” Meanwhile, Carney viewed the USMCA as a starting point for broader negotiations, suggesting that “some changes will be needed.” Despite Trump’s speculation about a potential merger between Canada and the U.S., he also expressed a desire for the current meeting to remain amicable, fearing a repeat of past confrontations. Trump emphasized the friendly nature of the discussions, trying to ensure that the meeting did not escalate into a conflict similar to the Oval Office incident in February. For more information, reach out to us at letters@time.com.
