In their first official meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump struck a friendly tone. Trump reiterated his vision of Canada as the 51st US state, claiming such a move would offer Canadians lower taxes and US military protection. Carney firmly rejected the idea, stating Canada was never for sale.

While both leaders exchanged compliments, Trump made clear he had no intention of lifting tariffs on Canadian goods, emphasizing a preference for domestic production. Carney, who recently led his Liberal Party to victory on an anti-Trump platform, emphasized many opportunities to work together, but Trump offered no specifics on potential collaborations with the US’ second-largest trading partner. Despite tensions over trade and national sovereignty, Trump assured that the US would always protect Canada militarily.