Trump: US Halts Strikes on Houthi. Carney: Canada ‘Won’t be for Sale, Ever’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump questioned the future of USMCA during a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, while Carney firmly rejected the notion. Despite tensions over tariffs and trade, both leaders pledged continued friendship between the nations.
USMCA Uncertainty and Statehood Talk: Quick Looks
- Trump hinted USMCA may no longer be “necessary” during Oval Office talks.
- Carney firmly rejected Trump’s idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
- Trump claimed Canadians would benefit from U.S. military and health services.
- Carney asserted that “Canada is not for sale—ever.”
- Meeting followed Trump’s aggressive tariffs and anti-Canada social media comments.
- Trump promised a “very big announcement” later this week.
- Despite tension, both leaders exchanged friendly gestures and compliments.
- Canada remains the U.S.’s second-largest trading partner and top energy supplier.
Deep Look: Trump Casts Doubt on USMCA and Suggests Statehood for Canada
In a meeting that was equal parts diplomacy and drama, President Donald Trump welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House on Tuesday while openly questioning the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and reigniting controversial calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state.
Standing beside Carney in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he’s unsure whether USMCA—a key trade deal he once championed—remains necessary.
“I’d consider renegotiating,” Trump said, before adding, “but I question if it’s even necessary.”
Carney, elected just weeks ago on a platform of standing up to Trump, remained poised.
“It is a basis for broader negotiation,” he said, adding that “some things are going to have to change.” The Canadian leader made clear that Canada was open to talking trade but not compromising its sovereignty.
That line was tested moments later when Trump again floated the idea of Canadian statehood.
“I believe it would be a massive tax cut for Canadian citizens,” Trump said, referencing U.S. military protection and health care services as benefits. “It would really be a wonderful marriage.” He softened the statement slightly, saying, “We’re not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to.”
Carney’s response was immediate and definitive:
“As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Canada is not for sale—it won’t be for sale, ever.” When Trump quipped, “Never say never,” Carney smiled and mouthed “never, never, never.”
Trump says US is halting airstrikes on Houthis rebels in Yemen
Trump says he’s calling off any more air strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, saying the rebel faction has ‘capitulated’ and doesn’t want to fight anymore.
In March, Trump’s administration launched strikes against Houthis rebels. But he told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday:
“We will stop the bombings. They have capitulated but more importantly, we will take their word.”
The president added, “I think that’s very positive. They were knocking out a lot of ships.”
The leaders’ meeting came amid renewed tensions over tariffs and trade. Trump’s recent tariff hikes have strained U.S.-Canada economic ties and inadvertently boosted Carney’s political popularity at home. Carney’s Liberal Party won a surprise comeback in federal elections last week, riding voter backlash to what Carney called the “American betrayal.”
Despite the provocative remarks, the meeting was laced with surprisingly friendly moments.
Trump praised Carney’s intelligence and election victory, saying, “I think Canada chose a very talented person.” He even compared Carney’s win to his own.
The two leaders fist-bumped before entering the White House, with Trump showing off Oval Office renovations he said were completed “with great love and 24 karat gold.” Carney joked, “Mr. President, I’m on the edge of my seat.”
But the warmth didn’t erase deep rifts. Trump reaffirmed his skepticism about the economic value of the U.S.-Canada relationship in a Truth Social post before Carney’s arrival, claiming the U.S. is “subsidizing” Canada by $200 billion per year and doesn’t need its cars, energy, or lumber.
Economic experts and trade data dispute that. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states, and over $2.7 billion in goods and services cross the border each day. Nearly a quarter of the oil consumed in the U.S. is imported from Canada, and Canada is the largest supplier of steel, aluminum, and critical minerals to the U.S.
Trade was not the only focus of the meeting. Trump also said he plans to make a “very, very big announcement” later this week, calling it “one of the most important announcements in many years,” though he provided no additional details.
In a separate development, Trump said he was halting U.S. airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating that the group had “capitulated” and pledged to stop attacks.
The Oval Office encounter was part of a broader diplomatic effort to reset ties between the two nations. However, Trump’s track record of unpredictable statements leaves Canadian officials cautious.
Carney signaled that while he was willing to engage in talks, Canada is also exploring expanded trade with other partners to reduce its reliance on the U.S. “We’ll take all the time necessary to get the best deal for Canada,” he said.
Trump’s tariffs, which target steel, aluminum, and automotive products, have strained supply chains. His administration has also imposed restrictions on Canadian goods outside the USMCA framework, allegedly in response to fentanyl smuggling—though the justification has drawn scrutiny.
Nonetheless, Trump closed the meeting with a diplomatic tone, saying, “Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada.” While that sentiment was welcomed, it was accompanied by tough rhetoric and policy moves that suggest a challenging road ahead for North American relations.
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