President Donald Trump hosted newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday in a meeting that mixed diplomatic courtesies with sharp disagreements, notably over tariffs and Trump’s ongoing musings about making Canada the 51st U.S. state — an idea Carney swiftly and firmly rejected.
The meeting, Carney’s first official visit since winning last week’s Canadian federal election, was seen as an early test of the relationship between the two leaders. While Trump struck a more conciliatory tone toward Carney than he had with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, longstanding tensions over trade and sovereignty quickly surfaced.
Here are five key takeaways from their meeting:
1. Carney: ‘Canada is not for sale’
President Trump reignited a controversial notion he has floated in the past: the prospect of Canada joining the United States as its 51st state. Carney, seated beside Trump in the Oval Office, was unequivocal in his rejection.
“It’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale ever,” Carney said, adding that Canadian public opinion is steadfast in favor of independence. “The opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.”
Despite Carney’s clear stance, Trump kept the door open, insisting, “Never say never,” and suggesting economic incentives like tax cuts might eventually make the idea more palatable.
“I still believe it,” Trump said. “Canada loves us, and we love Canada. That’s the number one thing that’s important. But we’ll see.”
2. Trump claims Houthis are ‘done fighting’
In a surprising announcement during the joint appearance, Trump declared that Houthi rebels in Yemen had expressed a desire to cease hostilities and that the U.S. would halt its airstrikes against the group.
“They just don’t want to fight anymore,” Trump said. “They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seated nearby, offered a cautious endorsement of the decision, emphasizing that the strikes were rooted in protecting international shipping through the Red Sea. “If it’s going to stop, then we can stop,” Rubio said.
The U.S. campaign against the Houthis began in March following a series of attacks on commercial vessels. Trump’s announcement marked a dramatic — and potentially premature — shift in policy.
3. USMCA’s future in question
Trump raised eyebrows by suggesting that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a signature trade deal from his first term, may have outlived its usefulness.
“It was a transitional deal,” Trump said. “I don’t know that it’s necessary anymore.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that a formal review of USMCA would take place within the next year, per the agreement’s 2026 review clause. Trump was noncommittal on potential changes, saying only that “subtle” tweaks might be on the table — or that his administration may decide not to engage with it at all.
4. No tariff relief in sight for Canada
Despite hopes that Carney’s visit might ease U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Trump made clear that the current 25 percent levies will remain in place — and that traditional trade agreements are not his administration’s priority.
“No,” Trump said bluntly when asked if Canada could expect relief.
The president described his approach to trade as “flexible” and framed tariffs as a pricing mechanism rather than a diplomatic cudgel. “Think of us as a super luxury store,” he said. “A store that has the goods.”
Officials also confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations with China, contrary to prior suggestions from the administration.
5. A warmer tone toward Carney, but firm policies remain
Although the meeting was contentious in substance, Trump adopted a far more cordial tone toward Prime Minister Carney than he had with his predecessor.
“He’s a very talented person,” Trump said, adding, “I think I was probably the greatest thing that happened to him, but I can’t take full credit.”
Carney’s Liberal Party secured a solid electoral victory last week in a race colored by Trump’s rhetoric and Trudeau’s decision to step down. Trump had mocked Trudeau in the final days of the campaign, referring to him as “Governor Trudeau.”
Trump drew a contrast between Carney and other leaders he has clashed with, referencing a previous Oval Office showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “This is a very friendly conversation,” he said.
Outlook
Carney’s debut visit to Washington underscored the complex and often unpredictable nature of modern U.S.-Canada relations. While the two leaders shared polite exchanges and struck a few conciliatory notes, major policy divides — particularly on trade and national sovereignty — remain entrenched. Whether Carney can thread the needle between cooperation and resistance in Trump’s Washington remains to be seen.
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