'We will never be part of the US': Canada PM Mark Carney rebukes Trump’s annexation talk

Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, said Canada’s sovereignty while standing alongside his newly appointed cabinet ministers.

Canada’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney wasted no time in pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States.

“We will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be part of the United States,” Carney declared at a press conference in Ottawa on Friday.

Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, said Canada’s sovereignty while standing alongside his newly appointed cabinet ministers. “I’ve been clear. The ministers behind me, I think, to an individual, when asked, have been clear,” he said.

His remarks came in response to recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that Canada would be better off as an American state. Carney dismissed the idea outright, calling it “crazy” and reiterating that “America is not Canada.”

Despite his sharp rejection of Trump’s rhetoric, Carney stressed the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties with Washington. “We respect the United States. We respect President Trump,” he said, while making it clear that Canada’s economic and political identity remain distinct.

Growing Tensions Amid Trade and Annexation Comments

Carney’s comments follow weeks of speculation fueled by Trump’s repeated assertions that Canada, a key U.S. ally and trading partner, could be incorporated into the United States. The remarks come at a time when the Trump administration is imposing stiff tariffs on Canadian goods, further straining relations between the two countries.

Carney also highlighted Canada’s independent economic strategy, stating, “The nature of Canada means we won’t [join the U.S.]. The economics means we shouldn’t.” He underscored his government’s focus on building domestic prosperity and forging partnerships abroad.

“It’s always nice when people say nice things about you, but we don’t need it. We’re not seeking it,” Carney said, adding that his cabinet represents a “fundamentally different” vision from that of the U.S.

Trump’s Broader Annexation Talk

The idea of annexing Canada is part of a broader pattern of territorial rhetoric from Trump since his return to the White House. In recent weeks, he has also floated the possibility of the U.S. acquiring Greenland and taking control of the Panama Canal.

On Thursday, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede issued a firm rejection of Trump’s idea, writing in a Facebook post, “The U.S. president has once again aired the thought of annexing us. Don’t keep treating us with disrespect. Enough is enough.”

Trump has also made controversial statements about the Gaza Strip, saying in February that the U.S. should “take over” the war-torn region and “own it.” His remarks, including a proposal to relocate Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries while developing Gaza, have been widely rejected by Arab leaders.

As global tensions mount, Carney signaled that his government would remain focused on Canada’s interests. “What you will see from this government is focusing on building here at home, building with different partners abroad,” he said.

“It’s good — we’re doing it for our own reasons, to be clear. For our own people, for the high-paying jobs,” he added. “But eventually the truth will out, and the Americans will understand as well.”