Trump Pressures Canada on Tariffs and Statehood | PM Carney Responds Firmly

Web Desk: US President Donald Trump met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Washington on Tuesday amid strained ties, sparked by Trump’s tariffs and provocative calls for Canada to become the 51st US state.

The meeting began cordially, but Trump didn’t shy away from controversial topics. “It would be a wonderful marriage,” he said of statehood, to which Carney replied firmly, “It’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale–ever.”

Trump, 78, has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, criticizing Canada on Truth Social just before the meeting for allegedly benefiting from \$200 billion in US subsidies and “free military protection.” He said the US doesn’t need Canadian products “other than their friendship.”

Carney, 60, elected in April after replacing Justin Trudeau, vowed to stand up to Trump and reshape Canada-US relations. “Our old relationship is over. The question now is how we’ll cooperate in the future,” he said.

While Trump hinted at further pressure, Carney emphasized the need to lower tensions and pursue a new trade deal. “Canada and the United States are strongest when we work together,” he posted on X.

Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, dismissed the chances of a smooth deal, calling Canada’s system “socialist” and incompatible with US policies.

Carney, a former central banker who steered economies during crises, now faces a major diplomatic test — managing a reset in ties with a confrontational US president.