Trump Jokes ‘Never Say Never’ as Canada’s PM Carney Rejects 51st State Talk

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first official visit to Washington on Tuesday, meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump just a week after winning re-election on a platform that distanced itself from the Trump administration.

The meeting at the White House came days after Carney declared the “old relationship” between Canada and the U.S. was “over,” promising to redefine ties based on mutual respect between “two sovereign nations.”

During their Oval Office appearance, the leaders adopted a notably cordial tone, despite lingering tensions over trade tariffs and Trump’s past remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

“I think we have a lot of things in common,” Trump said, congratulating Carney on what he called “probably one of the greatest comebacks in political history.” Carney responded by emphasizing cooperation: “We’re stronger when we work together.”

When pressed about his previous remarks suggesting Canada join the U.S., Trump smiled and said, “Never say never,” while insisting a merger would bring “tremendous benefits to Canadian citizens.”

Carney, for his part, dismissed the notion with a firm, “Canada is not for sale.”

The leaders also discussed economic ties, regional security, and the future of North American cooperation, signaling a complex but civil start to their renewed diplomatic relationship.