During a phone call last month between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump once again raised the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state—a point that contradicts Carney’s later public remarks, according to sources who spoke to Radio-Canada.
Two sources with knowledge of the March 28 call told Radio-Canada that the question of Canadian sovereignty came up early in the conversation. One source described that portion of the discussion as “not easy,” with Carney reportedly responding, “We’ll agree to disagree on that one.”
According to the sources, Trump laid out what he saw as the benefits of Canada joining the United States, while Carney listened before firmly disagreeing.
This account runs contrary to Carney’s comments at a news conference later that day, where he said that Trump had set aside any talk of expansionism. “The president respected Canada’s sovereignty today both in his private and public comments,” Carney said on March 28.
WATCH | Carney says Trump 'respected' Canadian sovereignty during their call:
Carney says call with Trump was ‘constructive’ and ‘cordial’
Carney characterized the call as “cordial” and “constructive,” emphasizing that it took place between two leaders of sovereign nations.
In response to the report, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office did not deny that Trump had brought up the 51st state idea, but denied that Carney had replied with, “We’ll agree to disagree.”
“No, the prime minister didn’t say that to President Trump,” the spokesperson said. “He has been clear that the notion of Canada becoming part of the U.S. is not and never will be on the table.”
The French-language statement added, “As we face this crisis, Prime Minister Carney is sharing his plan with Canadians across the country to confront the trade war initiated by President Trump.”
X/Twitter Money will be FDIC insured up to $250,000
6/7/2025 10:49 PMRepresentative Thomas Massie introduces a bill to audit US gold reserves
6/7/2025 10:46 PMTrump says again: "Will take a look at Elon Musk's government contracts"
6/7/2025 10:45 PMTrump: Elon Musk has disrespected the office of the US president
6/7/2025 10:38 PM
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest financial insights and news.