Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face meeting after what has turned into a tumultuous relationship between the neighboring countries.
Carney joined Trump in the Oval Office for a meeting as the two took questions from the media.
Carney indicated he wanted to talk to President Trump about the ongoing tariff war, as well as several other issues, including the lack of respect Trump has shown Canada in his repeated comments about making the country our 51st state.
On Tuesday, Carney addressed President Trump's comments on annexing Canada into the U.S.
"As you know, from real estate, there will be some places that will never be on sale. We’re sitting in one right now. You know Buckingham Palace, which you’ve visited as well," Carney said, which prompted a chuckle from Trump, who said, "That's true." "And having met with the owners of Canada, in the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale — won’t be for sale, ever."
President Trump gave credit to Canada for stepping up military efforts, but regarding the annexation of Canada, President Trump said "never say never."
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The U.S. now charges 25% tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, vehicles, and nonexempt auto parts. President Trump has also threatened additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and the film industry.
Canada, in response, has implemented some retaliatory tariffs.
"There's lots of reasons to build Canada strong, but the point is, and I will make this point repeatedly, we have more than enough to do here at home. That point about we can give ourselves more than the Americans can take away is absolutely right," Carney said.
Carney was sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister on March 14, replacing Justin Trudeau. Last month, Carney's Liberal Party emerged victorious in the country's parliamentary elections.
