Canada will never be for sale, Carney tells Trump

US President Donald Trump began his first talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday and vowed to bring up “tough points” that are dividing the two countries since Trump imposed tariffs.

- 

Their meeting started with smiles and a handshake despite Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st US state, a prospect that has chilled bilateral relations. The subject quickly came up as they took questions from reporters.

“We're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it,” Trump said. “It would really be a wonderful marriage.”

Carney put down the idea firmly.

“It's not for sale, it won't be for sale - ever,” he told Trump in the Oval Office.

“Never say never, never say never,” Trump said.

Trump, whose tariff policy has rattled world markets, said he and Carney would discuss “tough points,” an allusion to the president’s belief that the United States can do without Canadian products.

“Regardless of anything, we're going to be friends with Canada," he said.