Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, just visited the White House for a sit-down with U.S. President Donald Trump.
While the meeting covered a range of topics, one surprising idea stirred the conversation the long-debated notion of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Though mostly symbolic, the topic sparked some pointed remarks, with Carney making it clear where he stands and Trump, unsurprisingly, not holding back.
Trump Pushes 51st State Idea Again During Canadian PM’s U.S. Visit
Donald Trump wasted no time reigniting a familiar talking point during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official visit to the White House on May 6 once again floating the idea of turning Canada into the 51st state of America.
Carney, newly elected and eager to set a serious diplomatic tone, finally addressed the recurring remark, urging Trump to drop the rhetoric. “We’re proud of our sovereignty,” he later told reporters, sidestepping the joke with calm diplomacy.
Trump, however, leaned into the moment. Just a day before their meeting, he told the press, “I guess he wants to make a deal. Everybody does.”
When the two leaders appeared together for a photo-op before a private lunch, Trump quickly revisited his long-standing fantasy this time escalating it further by calling for a “wonderful marriage” between the U.S. and Canada.
The comment sparked fresh headlines and raised eyebrows on both sides of the border, as Trump continues to blur the line between jest and geopolitics.
Carney Shuts Down Trump’s 51st State Talk Again
Prime Minister Mark Carney wasn’t shy about where Canada stands. While he welcomed discussions on diplomacy and trade during his visit to Washington, D.C., he made one thing crystal clear: becoming America’s 51st state is not up for debate.
Though the meeting between Carney and former President Donald Trump began with pleasantries—Trump called Carney a “very talented person,” while Carney labeled Trump a “transformational president”—the light tone quickly shifted once the familiar topic resurfaced.
Carney didn’t mince words.
“Like in real estate,” he said pointedly, “there are some places that are never for sale.”
He added that after months of listening to Canadians across the country, he’s more certain than ever:
“It’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”
With that, Carney echoed the firm stance of his predecessor, making it clear that Canadian sovereignty is non-negotiable no matter how many times Trump brings it up.
Carney Shuts Down Trump’s Fantasy With a Hint of Bieber Drama
Prime Minister Mark Carney wasn’t afraid to get poetic when reinforcing Canada’s independence. Comparing the nation to iconic places like the Oval Office and Buckingham Palace, Carney made it clear: some things simply aren’t for sale.
“We are masters in our own home,” he said. “We can give ourselves far more than any foreign government can ever take away.”
But rather than backing off, Donald Trump fired back with a cheeky response that sounded like it was pulled straight from a Justin Bieber track:
“I say, ‘Never say never.’”
Trump doubled down:
“I’ve had many, many things that were not doable and ended up being doable.”
While Carney stood firm, Trump clearly wasn’t ready to let go of his “51st state” dream.
Meanwhile, body language expert Beth Dawson offered insight into their on-camera exchange. She described Carney’s demeanor as “assertive, yet slightly apprehensive,” noting his subtle elbow touch as a signal of seeking equal footing.
“He showed determination, but there was a flicker of intimidation,” Dawson observed.
Whether Trump was just stirring the pot or floating a bigger idea, one thing is certain: Carney made it clear Canada isn’t going anywhere except forward, on its own terms.
