WASHINGTON — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Canada could become the 51st American state, declaring during a White House meeting on Tuesday that "Canada is not for sale — ever."

The two leaders met in the Oval Office in their first face-to-face encounter since Carney's April 28 election victory, a result widely seen as a rebuke of Trump’s aggressive trade and border policies.

Despite longstanding tensions, the meeting was largely cordial, though marked by pointed exchanges over tariffs, sovereignty, and trade relations.

Trump, praising Carney’s political comeback, floated the idea of a “wonderful marriage” by incorporating Canada into the United States. Carney, a former central banker, responded with a measured but unequivocal dismissal.

"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," Carney told the former property mogul. "Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign in the last several months, it's not for sale. Won't be for sale, ever."

Trump replied with a grin, “Never say never.”

The U.S. president has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, including steel, aluminum, and automobiles — many of which remain in place pending negotiations. He has also accused Ottawa of not doing enough to stop the southbound flow of fentanyl.

Carney pressed Trump to lift the tariffs, describing the conversation as productive but uncertain. "There'll be zigs and zags," Carney said during a press conference at the Canadian embassy. "But the prospect [of a deal] is there."

Trump, however, appeared unmoved, stating bluntly, “No,” when asked if Carney said anything to persuade him to lift tariffs. "It's just the way it is," he said. "We want to make our own cars."

Despite the trade friction, the two leaders exchanged compliments. Trump hailed Carney’s rise to power as "one of the greatest comebacks in political history" and Carney called Trump a "transformational president" with a "relentless focus on the American worker."

Still, Trump used the meeting to contrast Carney’s tone with that of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, with whom he had a rocky relationship.

The visit comes amid a tense moment in U.S.-Canada relations. During the campaign, Carney vowed to confront what he described as Trump’s "betrayal" of Canada's economic interests and sovereignty. In his victory speech, he declared the traditional U.S.-Canada relationship “over.”

More than $760 billion in goods flowed between the two countries in the past year, with Canada serving as the U.S.'s largest export market.

At the end of the visit, Carney stressed the importance of diplomacy. “This is a negotiation between sovereign nations,” he said. “He understands that.” — Agencies