Carney Tells Trump Canada 'Won't Be for Sale Ever' — Trump: 'Never Say Never' (May 6, 2025)

Canada’s new prime minister told President Donald Trump his country is not on the market, and Trump left the door open anyway. “And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale ever,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in the Oval Office on May 6, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“But never say never. Never say never,” Trump replied [1].

The video above shows Trump and Carney in the Oval Office on May 6, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project and the Department of Finance Canada [1][2][3].

”Some Places That Are Never for Sale”

The exchange began when a reporter asked whether Trump was joking about Canada becoming the 51st state. “No, no. Well, I still believe that, but, you know, it takes two to tango, right?” Trump said, to laughter [1].

“I mean, I believe it would be a massive tax cut for the Canadian citizens. You get free military,” he said [1].

“When you get rid of that artificially drawn line—somebody drew that line many years ago with, like, a ruler,” Trump said [1].

“Well, if I may. As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” Carney replied. “We’re sitting in one right now.” [1]

Asked whether that made talks harder, Trump said: “No, not at all.” He added: “I’ve had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable—and only doable in a very friendly way.” [1]

“A Transformational President”

Carney praised his host. “You’re a transformational President—the focus on the economy, with a relentless focus on the American worker,” he said [1].

Carney said his government would put a “much greater focus on defense and security; securing the Arctic and developing the Arctic.” [1]

“And, you know, the history of Canada and the U.S. is we’re stronger when we work together, and there’s many opportunities to work together,” Carney said [1].

“And I’ll say this as well, that the President has revitalized international security, revitalized NATO,” Carney said [1].

“Canada is stepping up the military participation,” Trump said [1].

“We’re going to also be discussing Ukraine-Russia—the war—because Mark wants it ended as quickly as I do,” Trump said [1].

He showed off the redecorated room, too. “And you see the new and improved Oval Office as it becomes more and more beautiful with love. You know, we handle it with great love and 24-carat gold.” [1]

Trump congratulated Carney on his election win. “It was one of—probably one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics, maybe even greater than mine,” he joked [1].

Asked what concession he wanted from Canada, Trump said: “Friendship.” He added: “Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada.” [1]

“They Have Capitulated”

Trump opened with news about Yemen’s Houthis, who had been firing on ships. “They just don’t want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings,” he said [1].

“They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore,” Trump said. “And I will accept their word, and we are going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately.” [1]

“Yes, this was always a freedom-of-navigation mission,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said [1].

Later, Trump was asked about the terms. “No, it’s not a deal,” he said. He said the Houthis told the U.S.: “Please don’t bomb us anymore, and we’re not going to attack your ships.” [1]

Trump also teased a coming announcement. “Like, as big as it gets, and I won’t tell you on what, but it’s going to—and it’s very positive,” he said [1].

”The Worst Trade Deal”

On the trade pact with Canada and Mexico, Trump said: “NAFTA was the worst trade deal in the history of our country—probably in the history of the world.” [1]

“We have a tremendous abundance of energy, more than any country,” he said. “ANWR has been reopened now.” [1]

“It is a basis for a broader negotiation,” Carney said of the pact. “Some things about it are going to have to change.” [1]

“They want a piece of our market. We don’t want a piece of their market,” Trump said. “Think of us as a superluxury store, a store that has the goods.” [1]

“Look, we make the best military equipment in the world,” Trump said [1].

Asked when the new investments would show up, he said: “Oh, it’s hitting right now. Look, they’re already starting AI plants.” [1]

By the Numbers

51st: the state Trump said Canada could become [1].
2: countries, the U.S. and Canada, that Trump said are “very lucky” with energy [1].
June 30, 2025: the digital tax collection Canada halted [3].

What Happened Next

The tax that stopped the talks. On June 27, 2025, Trump cut off trade talks over Canada’s digital services tax. “Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,” he posted [2].

Canada backed down in two days. On June 29, 2025, Canada’s finance minister “announced today that Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States,” Canada’s Department of Finance said [3].

“The June 30, 2025 collection will be halted,” the department said [3].

For Trump on the U.K. trade deal two days after this meeting, see HYGO News’ page on May 8, 2025. For Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs, see the page on April 2, 2025.