Carney, meeting Trump, says Canada isn't for sale

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Trump his country was "not for sale" after Trump reiterated his call for Canada to become the 51st state.

- Vipal Monga & Alex Leary

After signaling he would drive a hard bargain to resolve the trade war that has severely strained relations between the two countries, Trump on Tuesday opened the White House meeting by suggesting Canada become part of the U.S.

Trump offered a softer than usual pitch for annexation. He said it would lead to a massive tax cut for Canadian citizens, with "free military" support, and added that getting rid of the "artificially drawn" line between the countries would make for a "beautiful formation."

"I do feel it's much better for Canada, but we're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it," said Trump, who acknowledged, "it takes two to tango."

Carney told Trump that as a real-estate developer, Trump knows some places aren't for sale. "Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale, ever."

"Never say never," Trump said.

Carney responded with a grin and a few nods toward journalists and officials clustered around the room: "Never, never, never."