"No Way, Jose!" Carney Clashes with Trump Over 51st State Shenanigans
Trump rebuffed by Carney: "Canada not up for grabs"
The relationship between the US and Canada has hit a new low with President Trump's latest antics. The newly minted Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, paid a visit to the White House and left with a firm "no way, jose!" for Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st state.
Upon meeting Carney,Trump brought up the longstanding dream of controlling Canada. He announced it as a "real estate opportunity," but Carney shut it down quickly, stating that Canada will never be for sale. Trump, in a playful manner, countered with his famous "never say never" quote, but it didn't seem to phase Carney.
Trump also convinced that he is seeking a new trade agreement with the neighbors to the north, accusing them of being "subsidized" by the US to the tune of $200 billion per year. However, the actual US trade deficit with Canada was around $63 billion last year, not $200 billion.
The Friendship That "Needs Everything"
Trump emphasized that the US needs neither cars, energy, nor wood from Canada, but only friendship. On the other hand, he claimed Canada "needs everything" from the US.
Carney's Liberal Party clinched a clear majority in the recent parliamentary election in Canada. He labeled Trump's actions as "betrayal" and called on Canadians to stand united against their neighbor.
Since Trump took office in 2017, the traditionally friendly relationship between the two countries has soured. Trump has threatened to make Canada the 51st state and pursued aggressive trade policies, causing tensions and trade disputes ranging from aluminum tariffs to softwood lumber problems.
A Closer Look at US-Canada Relations
While the idea of Canada becoming a US state remains highly implausible, the relationship between the two countries continues to evolve. During Trump's first term, negotiations for the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) took place, but trade tensions persisted. The Trump administration's protectionist policies led to increased tensions and prompted Canada to seek alternate economic partnerships.
Politically, Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy has strained relations with many allies, including Canada. In turn, Canada has sought closer defense partnerships with European allies. It's clear that Canada's focus is on independence and strengthening its international partnerships.
Sources: ntv.de, mpa/AFP
- Mark Carney
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Canada
- Reactions and Statements
[1] "Canada-U.S.: Trump's tariffs hit major exporter of raw materials." (2018, June 1). Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/canada-us-trumps-tariffs-hit-major-exporter-of-raw-materials/a-44012635
[4] "U.S.-Canada Relations." (2021, April 12). Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-canada-relations
- Mark Carney, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Canada, face-off against Donald Trump over the latter's proposal to make Canada the 51st state, with Carney firmly stating that Canada will never be for sale.
- Trump's statements regarding Canada needing everything from the US while the US needs neither cars, energy, nor wood from Canada, were met with a label of "betrayal" from Carney's Liberal Party.
- Amidst ongoing trade tensions and disputes, Mark Carney's focus as the Canadian Prime Minister seems to be on independence and strengthening international partnerships.
- Despite the strain in US-Canada relations under the Trump administration, there have been intense negotiations for the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), demonstrating the evolving nature of their relationship.
