preCharge News POLITICS — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump’s revived proposal to incorporate Canada into the United States as its 51st state, flatly rejecting the idea during a tense but cordial meeting in the Oval Office.

“There are some places that are never for sale,” Carney said directly to Trump, adding moments later: “Canada is not for sale—and won’t be for sale ever.”

Trump, never one to shy from provocation, replied with a smirk:

“Never say never.”

The exchange came during Carney’s first official visit to the White House as prime minister, and highlighted a deepening ideological rift between the U.S. and its northern neighbor, one worsened by Trump’s economic nationalism and political expansionism.

Trump Tests Boundaries—And Alliances

Trump’s renewed suggestion that Canada should join the U.S. as a state drew swift condemnation from Canadian officials and rekindled memories of his combative relationship with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney, a centrist and former central banker, was elected just last week, in a vote many interpreted as a rejection of Trump’s interference in Canadian affairs.

In public remarks before their bilateral meeting, Carney doubled down.

“Respectfully, Canadians’ view on this is not going to change on the 51st state,” he said.

The brief confrontation came amid broader frustrations over trade. Trump, speaking to reporters and in multiple posts on his Truth Social platform, accused Canada of taking advantage of American taxpayers.

“I cannot understand why we are subsidizing Canada by $200 billion a year, in addition to giving them FREE military protection,” Trump posted hours before the meeting. “They need EVERYTHING from us. We don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship.”

Carney Pushes Back on Economic Claims

Carney, measured in tone but firm in message, resisted Trump’s economic pressure, instead framing Canada’s position as both economically vital and sovereign.

Behind the scenes, Trump aides have privately admitted the $200 billion figure includes military spending and a combined estimate of defense commitments and trade deficits. According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, the actual trade deficit with Canada stood at $63.3 billion last year, with more than $400 billion in Canadian goods imported to the U.S.

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Carney struck a more diplomatic tone—while still defending Canada’s interests.

Tariffs Bite as Trade Relationship Sours

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has escalated his use of tariffs—particularly on Canadian energy, lumber, and automotive goods. Those actions have triggered a sharp decline in Canadian exports to the U.S., with March figures showing a 6.6% drop. Meanwhile, exports to other countries soared by nearly 25%, according to Statistics Canada.

“They’ve been feeding off of us for decades,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview with Fox Business, describing Canada’s social programs as “leeching” off American prosperity.

The rhetoric from Trump’s team has pushed Canada to look elsewhere for trade. Carney’s aides said the prime minister plans to deepen ties with Europe and Asia if U.S. relations remain rocky.

Political Fallout and Rising Canadian Pride

Trump’s comments—especially those on absorbing Canada—have backfired politically north of the border. Carney’s victory last week came as a surprise after months of trailing in polls. Analysts say Trump’s harsh tone helped galvanize liberal and centrist voters around a pro-sovereignty message.

“It was a rejection of Trumpism,” said one Canadian strategist who advised Carney’s campaign. “He gave us exactly the contrast we needed.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman told preCharge News that the Carney-Trump meeting carried “high stakes,” not just for bilateral ties, but for Trump’s image as a dealmaker.

“Trump wants to walk away saying he can make deals. But when you disrespect your allies, you don’t get deals—you get distance,” Heyman said.

“Time Will Tell,” Trump Says—But So Will Trade

Asked whether Carney’s refusal on statehood made trade negotiations harder, Trump shrugged.

“It’s only time,” he said. “Time will tell.”

But so far, that time appears to be working against him. With rising tariffs, stalled trade talks, and a Canadian leader publicly pushing back, America’s closest northern ally is growing more distant.

And Carney, standing firm on his country’s independence, may have just drawn a line in the sand.