Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently visited the White House for the first time, amid ongoing trade disputes and discussions about shared borders between Canada and the United States. During their meeting in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Canada to become part of the US, but Carney reaffirmed his commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty. Carney referenced his mandate from Canada’s recent federal elections, which reflected anti-Trump sentiment among Canadian voters. The meeting between the two leaders was cordial, with Trump teasing a breakthrough with the Houthis in Yemen. Key takeaways from the meeting included discussions about Canada’s recent elections, Trump’s praise for Carney, and the issue of Canada potentially becoming a US state. Despite Trump’s previous statements about absorbing Canada into the US, he took a more subdued approach during the meeting, acknowledging that it would require mutual agreement. However, we will only discuss that if someone is interested in discussing it.”
He reiterated familiar arguments for merging the two countries, such as the benefits of statehood for Canada to avoid high tariffs imposed by the US. Trump highlighted the advantages of becoming the 51st state, emphasizing it as a significant tax cut for Canadian citizens. Carney’s response that Canada is not for sale was met with Trump’s persistence, saying, “Never say never.” Carney cheekily mouthed “never” to the reporters gathered around them.
Despite attempts to steer the conversation to more neutral topics, reporters continued to press the leaders on the controversial remarks. Trump expressed willingness to accept the Canadian people’s decision not to join as a state, acknowledging it as a process that would take time. Carney firmly stated that Canadians’ views on the matter would not change.
After the meeting at the Canadian embassy in Washington, Carney described it as a turning point in their bilateral relationship, emphasizing the need for cooperation in the future.
In the Oval Office, Trump stood firm on imposing tariffs on Canada, citing them as essential to protect US industries. He expressed his desire for American industries to be self-reliant without external support, including from allies like Canada. Trump reiterated his stance on the US trade deficit with Canada and the need for Canada to become economically self-sufficient.
Both leaders agreed on the need to renegotiate the USMCA, framing Trump’s tariffs as a violation of the agreement. Trump called the deal a transitional step that would be renegotiated shortly, while Carney saw it as a basis for broader negotiations.
Trump briefly touched on international conflicts, announcing the end of the US bombing campaign in Yemen and a breakthrough in discussions with the Houthis. He stated that the Houthis had expressed a desire to cease fighting, leading to a halt in bombings. “Kita akan menghentikan pengeboman terhadap Houthi mulai sekarang.
Tak lama kemudian, seorang pejabat Houthi senior memposting di media sosial bahwa kesepakatan masih perlu “dievaluasi di lapangan terlebih dahulu”.“