The two leaders had agreed in March to begin negotiations on trade and other issues after Canada’s general election last week.
At his first meeting with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, U.S. President Donald Trump said his country will continue friendly relations with Canada, but added that he would still like to see the country join the United States.
“I still believe that, but it takes two to tango,” he said, sitting alongside Carney in the Oval Office on May 6.
The two leaders held the public meeting before engaging behind closed doors for further talks around trade, with the free trade system between the two countries being upended by Trump in recent months.
“Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada. Canada is a very special place,” Trump said.
Carney responded to Trump’s comment about Canada joining the United States, saying, “as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale.” He said the “opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together,” and that Ottawa is committed to increasing investments in defence and playing a larger part in NATO.
“Never say never,” Trump said, referring to Carney’s remark that Canada would never be for sale.
Trump said Canadians would see advantages from joining the United States, citing lower taxes and a free military, saying “which, honestly we give you, essentially, anyway.” He added that the two leaders would not discuss the idea of the 51st state during their meeting, “unless somebody wants to discuss it.”
When asked by a reporter if Carney’s comments about Canada not being for sale would make discussions more difficult, Trump said, “No, not at all. Time will tell, it’s only time.”
“I say, never say never. I’ve had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable and only doable in a very friendly way. But if it’s to everybody’s benefit,” he said.
By Noé Chartier and Matthew Horwood
