In a meeting with newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Donald Trump made a remark that immediately captured attention, following Carney’s firm stance on Canada’s sovereignty and its refusal to become the 51st state of the United States.

The two leaders met at the White House on May 6, marking their first official interaction since Carney’s election victory on April 28. Despite tensions over the 25 percent tariffs the U.S. had imposed on Canada under Trump’s administration, the meeting was characterized by mutual compliments, with Trump praising Carney as a “very talented person,” while Carney called Trump a “transformational president.”

However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when the topic of Canada’s future was broached. Carney, who had echoed the sentiments of his predecessor Justin Trudeau, made it clear that Canada would not entertain the idea of joining the United States.

Carney’s Bold Stance: “Not for Sale”

In a moment that resonated across the political spectrum, Carney firmly declared, “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Canada is one of them.” He continued, “Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign in the last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”

Carney’s comment, likening Canada to iconic institutions like the Buckingham Palace or the Oval Office, emphasized the notion that the country is firmly in control of its destiny. He reiterated that Canadians are “masters in our own home” and asserted that the nation could offer more to itself than any foreign government could take away.

This comment was a direct response to Trump’s earlier suggestion that Canada could avoid the burdensome tariffs by becoming part of the United States, a proposal that Trump made during his first year in office. His suggestion had been met with mockery and resistance from Canada’s government, with Justin Trudeau famously dismissing it, saying it was “never going to happen.”

Trump’s Defiant Response: “Never Say Never”

Trump, never one to back down from a challenge, responded with a playful yet defiant quote from Canadian pop star Justin Bieber: “I say, ‘Never say never.’”

Trump added, “I’ve had many, many things that were not doable and ended up being doable.” His remark, while humorous, suggested that Trump remains undeterred in his unconventional approach to diplomacy and policy, even in the face of Carney’s firm position.

Trump’s comment echoed his longstanding belief that he could often turn situations that seemed impossible into successes. In the past, Trump has relied on his experience as a businessman to try to tackle foreign relations and policy issues with a similar sense of pragmatism and boldness.

The Subtext of the Meeting: Power Dynamics

Body language expert Beth Dawson analyzed the interaction between Trump and Carney, noting subtle dynamics in their meeting. According to Dawson, Carney appeared both assertive and apprehensive, a combination that suggested he was trying to maintain his authority while also being cautious in his approach to Trump.

Dawson pointed out that Carney’s elbow touch when conversing with Trump was an attempt to establish a connection and maintain a sense of equality in their interactions. However, his expression of determination hinted at a deeper underlying tension, indicating that while he was not passive, there was a deliberate effort not to be perceived as too forceful in challenging Trump.

A Flashpoint in U.S.-Canada Relations

The issue of Canada’s potential statehood has long been a controversial and somewhat tongue-in-cheek subject, especially among those on the political right who have been critical of Canada’s government. However, Trump’s suggestion that the country could avoid tariffs by joining the U.S. raised eyebrows and added new layers to the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.

Despite Carney’s clear rebuff, the meeting between Trump and Carney highlighted the deep-seated political and economic ties that continue to shape the relationship between the two countries. The discussion of tariffs and economic policy continues to be a point of friction, with both sides seeking to balance trade concerns with their respective national interests.

The Long-Standing Tariff Dispute

The ongoing tariff battle between the United States and Canada began in 2018 when Trump imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian goods, which was followed by retaliatory measures from Ottawa. Despite efforts to ease tensions through negotiations and agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), economic and trade differences between the two countries remain a central theme in their bilateral relationship.

Throughout his tenure, Trump’s administration adopted a protectionist stance, particularly concerning trade deficits and what he termed as unfair trade practices by Canada and other nations. His suggestion that Canada might avoid these tariffs by becoming a state was seen by some as political posturing, designed to push Canada into making trade concessions.

In contrast, Carney’s firm response was consistent with the broader sentiment in Canada, where discussions around sovereignty and independence from the United States are central to national identity. While the proposal of joining the U.S. may seem outlandish to many, it nevertheless brought attention to the complex and often contentious nature of international trade relationships.

The Road Ahead: U.S.-Canada Relations Post-Carney’s Appointment

Now that Mark Carney has taken office as Canada’s Prime Minister, it is clear that the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Canada will remain under intense scrutiny. Carney, who previously served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and later as the Governor of the Bank of England, has been viewed as a skilled technocrat with extensive international experience. His approach to dealing with the U.S. will likely focus on diplomacy, economic growth, and the preservation of Canada’s independence on the global stage.

As for Trump, his response to Carney’s dismissal of the statehood proposal suggests that he is unlikely to back down from his stance on economic policy and trade, even with a new leader in Canada. His unconventional style of diplomacy and leadership will continue to influence U.S.-Canada relations, particularly as both countries navigate complex trade and economic issues.

The coming months will reveal how the two leaders will manage their differences, particularly in regard to trade, national security, and the influence of global markets on their respective economies. The conversation sparked by their meeting has raised important questions about sovereignty, economic interdependence, and the future direction of North American diplomacy.

In the end, while Carney’s rejection of Trump’s statehood proposal was clear, the ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Canada will likely continue to unfold with unexpected twists, setting the stage for future political and economic developments. The “Never say never” sentiment, however, remains as an undercurrent in the ongoing dialogue between the two leaders.