US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met for the first time on Tuesday, as tensions between the two countries rose over new US tariffs and a contentious statehood comment.
The Oval Office discussion started on a friendly note, with smiles and a handshake, but soon became stern as Trump launched “tough points” related to trade imbalances. Trump again expressed his opinion that America doesn’t require Canadian products, and went on to controversially suggest Canada as the 51st American state a suggestion Carney rejected outright.
“It’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale ever,” Carney declared firmly, contradicting Trump’s claim that such a marriage would be “a wonderful marriage.” Trump responded, “Never say never.”
The sit-down comes after a tweet by Trump condemning what he asserts is a $200 billion per year US subsidy to Canada, citing trade deficits and military aid. “They need everything from us. We need nothing but their friendship,” he tweeted.
Carney, who took over as a former central banker following the April 28 election, won on a promise to reboot US-Canada relations and hold firm against Trump’s trade demands.
US-Canadian trade was at more than $760 billion during the previous year, with Canada as America’s second-largest trading partner. Nevertheless, the US Commerce Department announced on Tuesday that Canada’s goods trade surplus with America dropped to a five-month low during March, when new steel and aluminum tariffs took effect. Canadian exports to America declined by $3.7 billion the second-largest reduction in history while exports to other nations increased, reflecting diversification efforts.
Trump has also threatened a 100% tariff on all non-US film productions, potentially affecting Canada’s film industry. Beyond sharp disagreements, both leaders stressed the deep friendship between their countries.
