Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, during which Trump repeated previous remarks suggesting the annexation of Canada.
Asked by a reporter about the idea, Trump described the US-Canada border as “an arbitrary line” and said he remained interested in the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state.
Carney responded directly. “Some places are never for sale,” he said. “Canada is one of them. It won’t be for sale, ever.”
Trump shrugged and replied, “Never say never.” Carney, maintaining his position, mouthed the words “never, never, never.”
The meeting marked Carney’s first visit to the White House since becoming prime minister. His campaign had centred in part on pushing back against Trump’s rhetoric toward Canada.
As the meeting ended, Trump said, “I like this guy.” Carney smiled in response.
Oval Office meetings under Trump have increasingly included unscripted exchanges and open press questions. The president often uses the setting to comment on a wide range of domestic and international issues.
During Carney’s visit, Trump criticised California’s high-speed rail project, spoke about refurbishing the Oval Office with “24-karat gold,” and announced a halt to US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. He also criticised Barack Obama’s presidential library project in Chicago, claiming it was delayed due to “political correctness” in hiring construction workers.
Carney remained composed, though he made several attempts to interject.
Sixteen foreign leaders have visited the White House since Trump returned to office. Many have adjusted their approach to avoid public disagreements during joint appearances.
In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a tense exchange with Trump over the war with Russia. Trump told him, “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards.”
Other leaders have used different strategies. French President Emmanuel Macron corrected Trump on Ukraine funding. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin avoided direct confrontation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with a letter from King Charles III inviting him for a state visit.
Trump’s meetings continue to draw attention. Former diplomat Rufus Gifford said, “Just because he’s able to get people to watch him doesn’t mean the strategy is good for the United States.”
Despite the challenges, foreign leaders remain keen to secure face time with the US president, especially close allies such as Canada.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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