In a recent Oval Office meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state of the United States, stating unequivocally, “Canada is not for sale.” Business Insider+2Decider+2The Daily Beast+2
During the meeting, Trump described the potential annexation as a “wonderful marriage” and emphasized that it “takes two to tango.” Carney responded by asserting Canada’s sovereignty, likening the nation to an invaluable landmark, stating, “You don’t sell Buckingham Palace.” Business Insider
Carney’s stance reflects a broader Canadian sentiment opposing annexation. Recent polls indicate that a significant majority of Canadians are against the idea of joining the United States as a state. WikipediaWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
The meeting’s tone and Trump’s proposal have drawn criticism and satire from various commentators. MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell highlighted Carney’s subtle rebukes during the meeting, noting that Trump appeared unaware of the underlying criticisms. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel praised Carney’s composure and criticized Trump’s persistence, referencing Trump’s history of disregarding rejection. The Daily BeastDecider
Carney, who assumed office in March 2025, has been vocal about protecting Canada’s interests amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S. In his victory speech, he accused Trump of attempting to “break” Canada for American gain and pledged to resist such efforts. Axios+3Business Insider+3The Guardian+3
The economic implications of the strained U.S.-Canada relations were evident as markets reacted negatively to the meeting. The Canadian dollar strengthened, while major U.S. stock indexes declined, and gold prices surged, reflecting investor unease. WSJ
Carney’s firm stance underscores Canada’s commitment to its sovereignty and the importance of maintaining respectful international relations.
