Canada 'not for sale, ever', Carney warns as Trump touts benefits of becoming 51st US state
Canada's PM Mark Carney says Canada is "not for sale" as US President Donald Trump insists the country would benefit from becoming the 51st US state
The US president adds Canada's opposition to his proposal will not impact today's discussions
Carney measured in response to Trump's '51st state' push, writes the BBC's Bernd Debusmann Jr from the White House
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump says that "we're going to be friends with Canada" regardless of the current row on tariffs
Trump stands behind 51st state comment, Carney says 'not for sale'
Is there anything Carney can say to lift tariffs?
A reporter asks Trump if there's anything Carney can say to him to make him lift the tariffs on Canada.
"No," Trump says.
Asked why, he says: "That's just the way it is."
We don't do a lot of a business with Canada - Trump
Trump once again reiterates that Canada needs US good more than the US needs Canadian goods.
"We don't do a lot of a business with Canada, they do a lot of business with us," he said.
He said Canada buys the US's "top notch" military equipment. Carney doesn't respond.
Trade deal 'fine', says Trump - basis for 'broader negotiation', says Carney
The discussion now turns to USMCA - the trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the US.
Trump says "it's fine...it's good", but criticises the way it was handled by former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Carney says the agreement is a "basis for broader negotiation".
Some things about it will need to change, the prime minister adds, suggesting that part of the way Trump went about conducting the tariff increases took advantage of existing aspects of the agreement.
Think of US as 'super luxury store' - Trump
Getty ImagesAfter some diversion, Trump says "think of us as a super luxury store" while talking about international trade.
He says other countries will come and a pay a price, and the US will give them "very good deals".
Trump again teases 'great announcement'
Trump again mentions the "great announcement" he earlier suggested would be coming in the next few days.
He brings it up while talking about tariffs but says he doesn't necessarily want us to think it's about trade.
Trump says China 'suffering greatly' from tariffs
Trump is asked about China.
He says the leadership "want to meet" and they are doing "no business right now" - with ships "turning around in the Pacific Ocean".
He adds their economy is "suffering greatly" due to the tariffs he has brought in.
'Only time will tell,' says Trump on Canada statehood
Trump says Carney insisting Canada is not for sale will not impact discussions the pair have today.
He then adds that "only time will tell" and "never say never".
"We'll see, over time what happens," Trump says.
US president turns to tariffs
Trump is now speaking about tariffs.
He says both the US and Canada want to protect their own vehicle industries, and adds that the US has "tremendous amounts of energy".
He says Canada has its own energy too, saying they are "very lucky".
"Canada and us have a lot of advantages over other places," he adds.
Carney measured in response to Trump's '51st state' push
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White HouseAFP via Getty ImagesAs we just reported, Trump was asked the question many had been waiting for: on his previous remarks that Canada could become the 51st US state.
"It takes two to tango," he said. "But we're not going to be discussing that unless someone wants to discuss it."
President Trump also rattled off a long list of benefits that he believes Canadians would receive.
Carney's response was measured and careful.
"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," he said. "We're sitting in one now...it's not for sale. It won't be for sale."
Even as the two moved to swiftly change the subject, Trump sniped: "Never say never."
From the perspective of Canada's government, that was as diplomatic and effective a response as could have been hoped for - and one that was likely discussed and rehearsed over and over ahead of the visit.
Trump replies - 'never say never'
Trump says Canada is stepping up its military and participation in the Nato military alliance.
On statehood, though, he said "never say never".
Compromise lah. Alberta may want to be 51st state.
ReplyDeletehttps://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/albertas-premier-proposes-referendum-separation-canada-121497915
Quebec also wants independence from pommie-led Canada for a long long time. But would these 🐓 inclined 'Canadian' knowhow to the Yank?
DeleteOoop… there is also s hidden force of Indian migrants. They have built up substantial political niche within the maple leaves land. They would jump favourably to the yanks gold.
In Fuckworld, anything and everything is for Sale....it's just a matter of price and cost
ReplyDeleteBut Canada ... ? too expensive...wakakaka