Politics
Donald Trump Embarrassed as Canadian PM Mark Carney Delivers Blunt Fact Check at White House
By Jake Beardslee · May 8, 2025
Carney Challenges Trump in Tense Oval Office Meeting
In a tense Oval Office meeting on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump, correcting him on key issues related to trade and sovereignty. The White House / Wikimedia
First Official Meeting Sets Confrontational Tone
The high-stakes encounter marked the first time the two leaders met face-to-face since Carney’s election and Trump’s assertive trade stance toward Canada. The White House / Wikimedia
Carney Praises Then Pushes Back
Although Carney began the meeting on a diplomatic note—calling Trump a “transformational” president—he quickly challenged several of Trump's claims. When Trump floated the idea that Canada could become the “51st state,” Carney shot back, “There are some places that are never for sale.” The White House / Wikimedia
Firm Response on Canadian Sovereignty
Trump responded, “Never say never,” prompting Carney to double down: “Respectfully, Canadians view on this is not going to change on the 51st state.” The White House / Wikimedia
Trump Downplays U.S.-Canada Trade Ties
Trump’s assertion that the U.S. does little trade with Canada also drew an immediate correction. “We don't do much business with Canada, from our standpoint,” Trump claimed. The White House / Wikimedia
Carney Sets Record Straight on Trade Volume
Carney countered, “We are the largest client of the United States in the totality of all the goods.” He elaborated by pointing out the deep integration of the North American auto industry: “50 percent of a car that comes from Canada is American. That’s not like anywhere else in the world.” The White House / Wikimedia
Trump Insists It’s a Friendly Exchange
The exchange appeared to rattle Trump, who paused, looked down, and then addressed the press, insisting, “This is very friendly.” He went on to criticize Canadian manufacturing and suggest that U.S. tariffs would eventually make it uneconomical for Canada to build cars for the American market. The White House / Wikimedia
Trump Justifies Tariffs, Slams Canadian Industry
“We don't want Canadian steel and we don't want Canadian aluminum,” Trump said. “It’s hard to justify subsidising Canada to the tune of maybe $200 billion a year.” The White House / Wikimedia