Trump’s Tense Press Conference With Canada’s Carney, Explained

Topline President Donald Trump said he wouldn’t address his push to make Canada part of the United States during a meeting with its newly elected prime minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, to which Carney replied “it’s not for sale . . . ever.” President Donald Trump (R) meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office at the ... More White House on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Key Facts Trump, when prompted by reporters, said “we’re not going to be discussing” his idea to make Canada the 51st state “unless somebody wants to discuss it.” Carney then told reporters “it’s not for sale . . . ever,” to which Trump replied “never say never,” before launching into his qualms about the U.S.-Canada relationship, claiming “we don’t do much business with Canada from our standpoint, they do a lot of business with us,” referring to the U.S. trade deficit with Canada. Carney defended Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. and said “we are the largest client of the United States, in the totality of all the goods.” Trump struck a friendly tone during the meeting, despite attacking Canada earlier on Truth Social, writing “why is America subsidizing Canada? . . . in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?” The president repeatedly complimented Carney—leader of the Liberal Party elected a week ago—telling reporters he favors him over former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who Trump taunted for years up until Trudeau’s resignation. Trump, claiming he “was the greatest thing to happen to Carney,” since his election was largely influenced by the U.S. trade war, said “Canada chose a very talented person—a good person.” Tangent Trump, at the start of the meeting, made an unrelated announcement and said the U.S. would halt attacks against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen after the Houthis “capitulated” Monday and informed the U.S. they “don’t want to fight” anymore. After making the announcement about the Houthis, Trump teased another “very, very big” and “really, really positive” announcement he said he’d make before his visit to the United Arab Emirates next week. Key Background Carney won last week’s election after taking a tough stance against Trump’s tariffs, telling his supporters after winning that the “old relationship” between the two countries is over. Trump in February announced a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports to the U.S. before dropping the tax on most goods, except those that don’t fall under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Trump said Tuesday there was nothing that could change his mind about the remaining tariffs during his meetings with Carney over the next several days. Surprising Fact Trump also said during Tuesday’s meeting the U.S. has not met with China to discuss trade, but said Chinese officials “want to meet” and they would have discussions “at the right time.” Trump’s comments come after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a congressional hearing earlier Tuesday China has yet to “engage in negotiations.” Trump previously claimed he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the U.S.-China trade war, though China denied any calls had taken place. Further Reading Trump Doubling Tariffs On Canadian Steel And Aluminum In Retaliation For Ontario Electricity Charges (Forbes) Trump Threatens New Tariffs On Canada As Soon As Today—After Halting 25% Levies (Forbes) Trump Says Canada Should Merge With U.S.—Trolling Trudeau As He Steps Down (Forbes) Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/05/06/trump-meets-new-canada-pm-mark-carney-but-says-they-wont-discuss-making-canada-51st-state-live-updates/