New Canadian PM Tells Trump Country Not For Sale; President Responds ‘Never Say Never’
President Donald Trump met with new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday, taking a slightly softer tone on his calls to annex Canada and make it the 51st state. Trump conceded that "it takes two to tango," but insisted that if Canada were to join the U.S. it would mean "a lot of advantages" like a massive tax cut for the Canadians and a free military.
Carney replied pretty politely that Canada is “not for sale,” and will “never” be for sale. Trump responded: “Never say never.”
TRADE DEAL BREWING
Trump previously accused Canada of taking advantage of the U.S. and has said he hopes to make it America’s 51st state. Just minutes before the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social that Canada needs “EVERYTHING” from the U.S. while Americans “don’t need ANYTHING they have.”
Once inside the Oval Office, Trump struck a far friendlier tone, saying the only “concession” he wants from the nation is “friendship.” The two leaders smiled for the cameras, suggesting there might be a reset in cross-border relations — at least publicly for now.
As for tariffs, Carney maintained Liberal party control of the country by promising to be tough on Trump’s 25 percent tariff on some Canadian goods in March, including steel.
DEAL OR NO DEAL
It comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted Tuesday that the U.S. could announce a trade deal with some of America’s largest trading partners as early as this week.
Before the House Appropriations Committee, Bessent shared that the U.S. was in negotiations with 17 of 18 “very important trading partners” on tariffs, though he did not specify which ones.
He did clarify that the U.S. has not started talks with China, which the US has imposed a 145% tariff on.
Bessent said about 98 percent of America’s trade deficits are with 15 countries, most of whom are major U.S. trading partners. He predicted that as much as 90 percent of those trade deficits will be resolved by the end of the year - some as soon as this week.
Canada is one of those nations, with a trade deficit with the U.S. totaling more than $60 billion in 2024, with more than $400 billion worth of Canadian goods imported to the U.S. That makes Canada the U.S.’s second-largest trading partner last year — behind Mexico.