WASHINGTON, D.C. — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada could one day become the 51st U.S. state, declaring during their first Oval Office meeting on Tuesday that his country is “never for sale.”

The two leaders met amid strained relations over tariffs and sovereignty, with Carney reaffirming Canada’s independence and sovereignty during what was, at times, a tense but constructive exchange.

"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are simply not for sale," Carney told Trump — a former property mogul — drawing a comparison between Canada and iconic landmarks like the Oval Office and Buckingham Palace. “Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign in recent months, it’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale. Ever.”

Trump, 78, responded with a smile: “Never say never.”

The U.S. president had earlier described the idea of Canada joining the United States as a “wonderful marriage,” repeating a controversial proposal he has made several times since launching a sweeping trade war with Washington’s northern neighbor.

Despite the diplomatic friction, both leaders sought to project optimism following their two-hour discussion, which Carney later described as “very constructive.” He acknowledged that the ongoing trade negotiations are “complex” but suggested there is room for resolution, saying Trump appeared willing to engage in talks over tariffs.

Still, Carney, 60, said he urged Trump to stop raising the idea of annexing Canada. “I told him it wasn’t helpful to repeat this idea, but the president will say what he wants,” Carney said in French at a press conference following the meeting.

Trump, meanwhile, said the conversation had been “very friendly,” contrasting it with previous confrontational meetings with other world leaders. "We want to do what’s right for our respective peoples," he added during a separate event on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Shift in Canadian Foreign Policy
The highly anticipated meeting comes on the heels of Canada’s April 28 election, in which Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, defeated the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre. Carney campaigned on a promise to reset Canada-U.S. relations and stand up to Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 25 percent levy on autos and metals, while also accusing Canada of unfair trade practices and demanding stronger action to stop the cross-border flow of fentanyl.

During the Canadian election campaign, Trump called on Canada to become the “cherished 51st state”  a move widely seen as political interference. The remark backfired, with Carney using it to galvanize national sentiment and position himself as a defender of Canadian sovereignty.

Carney has since pledged to fundamentally recalibrate Canada’s economic and strategic relationship with the United States — marking what could be the country’s most significant foreign policy shift since World War II.