Mark Carney confirms Donald Trump wanted Canada as the 51st state during their first call - here's how he responded | Today news

US President Donald Trump during a March 28 call suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, a proposal that Carney had decreased diplomatically. While Trump promoted the benefits of the idea, Carney delayed the conversation later. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney responds on the day when he delivered a speech to Seneca College King Campus during his Liberal Party Election Campaign in King City, Ontario, Canada, April 26, 2025. Reuters/Carlos Osorio (Reuters), US President Donald Trump suggested that Canada’s first call the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Marky, Carney, confirmed this week. The telephone conversation took place on March 28, amid increasing tensions, as the US was prepared to draw up 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Trump described the call at the time as “extremely productive”, while Carney characterized it as “cordial” and “positive”. Trump’s proposal: ‘Benefits’ to join the US according to two sources familiar with the conversation, New York Post said, Trump has designated the ‘benefits’ of Canada that joined the United States. Carney replied diplomatically and told Trump: “Let’s agree not to agree on the one” before the leaders continued to discuss trade issues. Carney initially left Carney’s controversy the 51st state proposal when he told the call, and instead claimed that Trump “respected the sovereignty of Canada.” However, Carney clarified his position during a campaign stop in British Columbia. ‘The president brings it up all the time. I told him, “It will never happen” … The president says many things, “Carney said, trying to defuse the controversy. Trump doubles: ‘Canada would cease to exist’ Meanwhile, the White House refused to go beyond Trump’s earlier remarks about Truth Social. However, Trump strengthened his stance during an interview on Wednesday, saying he did not have a joke over the 51st state idea. Rates, Trump, and a tightened election match. The surprising remarks come as Canadians in record numbers go to the polls for early vote before Monday’s federal election. The election campaign was dominated by discussions about Trump, rates and trade, with the Liberal Party of Carney. First published: 27 Apr 2025, 1:32 am Ist