“Never Say Never”: Trump Responds to Carney’s Defiant Stance on Canadian Sovereignty at White House
Washington, D.C., May 6, 2025 – In a high-stakes Oval Office meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clashed over the future of U.S.-Canada relations, with Trump’s provocative suggestion that Canada could become the “51st state” met by Carney’s resolute declaration that Canada is “not for sale, ever.” The exchange, marked by Trump’s quip, “Never say never,” underscored the tense backdrop of trade disputes and annexation rhetoric that has strained ties between the two neighbors since Trump’s return to the White House.
The meeting, Carney’s first with Trump since his Liberal Party’s election victory on April 29, 2025, was intended to reset a relationship frayed by Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and vehicles, and his repeated musings about annexing Canada. Moments before Carney’s arrival, Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming the U.S. subsidizes Canada by $200 billion annually and questioning the need for Canadian cars, energy, or lumber. “They need EVERYTHING from us!” he wrote, setting a combative tone.
In the Oval Office, Trump opened with praise, calling Carney’s election win “one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics” and joking, “I think I was probably one of the greatest things that happened to him.” Carney, a former central banker with no prior political office, acknowledged Trump’s “hospitality and leadership” but pivoted to Canada’s agenda, emphasizing transformation and sovereignty. When pressed by reporters on his 51st state rhetoric, Trump doubled down, saying, “It would really be a wonderful marriage because it’s two places that get along very well,” but added, “It takes two to tango.” Carney, a seasoned negotiator, countered firmly: “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Canada is not for sale. It won’t be for sale, ever. The opportunity is in the partnership.” Trump’s retort, “Never say never,” drew attention across social media, with posts on X capturing the moment’s tension.
The leaders also addressed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with Carney signaling the need for changes, stating, “Some things about it are going to have to change. Part of the way you’ve conducted these tariffs has taken advantage of existing aspects of USMCA.” Trump, while calling the talks “very friendly,” maintained that the U.S. seeks only “friendship” from Canada, downplaying economic dependence despite Canada being the largest client for U.S. goods.
Carney’s visit, described as a “working visit” by White House officials, lacked the fanfare of state dinners, reflecting the strained bilateral mood. A senior Canadian official noted that the meeting, followed by a working lunch in the Roosevelt Room with key figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was the first step in crafting a new economic and security partnership. Carney tempered expectations, saying, “Do not expect white smoke out of that meeting,” indicating that tariff relief and broader negotiations would unfold slowly, likely tied to a 2026 USMCA review that Trump seeks to accelerate.
The backdrop to the meeting was Carney’s campaign, which capitalized on anti-Trump sentiment. His “elbows up” stance, a hockey term for defiance, resonated with Canadians angered by Trump’s tariffs and annexation talk, which helped the Liberals surge from a 23-point polling deficit to a near-majority. Trump acknowledged his role, joking that his rhetoric handed Carney the win. “The Conservative hated me much more than the so-called Liberal,” he said, referencing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s loss.
Trade tensions remain central. Canada, which accounts for 17% of U.S. exports and supplies four million barrels of oil daily, faces 25% tariffs on non-USMCA-compliant goods, prompting Carney to retaliate with C$60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. Experts suggest Canada’s leverage lies in energy exports, with former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney proposing the revival of the Keystone XL pipeline as a potential “win” for Trump. However, Carney has ruled out concessions on Canada’s supply management system for dairy, poultry, and eggs.
The meeting ended abruptly, with Trump cutting off Carney’s response to a trade deficit question, leaving the Canadian leader visibly frustrated. Posts on X highlighted Carney’s “dumbfounded” expression, with some users mocking his struggle to counter Trump’s dominance in the room. Others praised Carney’s restraint, arguing he neutralized Trump’s provocations with a focus on partnership and security.
As Canada prepares to host the G7 Summit in June, Carney faces a delicate balancing act: asserting sovereignty while navigating economic dependence on the U.S., which absorbs 75% of Canadian exports. Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric, while partly theatrical, continues to stoke nationalist sentiment in Canada, complicating negotiations. For now, Carney’s message is clear: Canada will engage “on our terms.” Whether Trump’s “never say never” hints at persistence or posturing, the path to a new partnership promises to be fraught with challenges.
Sources: Sky News, BBC, POLITICO, CBC News, The Independent, X posts