Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged the US President to cease referring to Canada as the 51st US state.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he requested that US President Donald Trump refrain from calling Canada the 51st state during their initial meeting at the White House on Tuesday.
Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of acquiring Canada, describing the US-Canada border as “artificial.” During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated this idea, suggesting that a union between the two countries would be a “wonderful marriage” with “tremendous” advantages.
“When that artificially drawn line is removed… when viewing that beautiful formation as a whole, one can tell I’m a very artistic person,” Trump said, alluding to his background as a real estate developer.
Carney responded by asserting that “there are some things that are never for sale,” comparing Canada to landmarks like the Oval Office and Buckingham Palace.
“Having engaged with the representatives of Canada throughout the campaign over the past several months, it’s not for sale, it will never be for sale,” the Prime Minister stated, while also mentioning that both countries could still strive to build a robust partnership.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Carney said he had asked Trump to discontinue using the term 51st state, characterizing the remarks as “not useful.” However, he also acknowledged Trump’s position as US president, stating that “he’ll say what he wants to say.”
The meeting occurred shortly after Carney’s election victory, in which his Liberal Party won a fourth consecutive term. Carney’s campaign heavily criticized Trump regarding tariffs and his desire to acquire Canada.
At the start of their meeting, Trump congratulated the new prime minister and quipped, “I think I was probably the greatest thing that happened to him.”
Despite ongoing tariff disputes, which Trump said would remain regardless of Carney’s statements, both parties ultimately described the discussions as productive.
“Regardless, we’re going to maintain friendly relations with Canada,” the US president told reporters.
Meanwhile, Carney described the discussions as “wide-ranging” and “very constructive,” adding that trade negotiations would continue, including at the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, Canada.