WASHINGTON, D.C. — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is no longer pursuing the idea of annexing Canada into America’s 51st state. His remarks signaled an easing of earlier tensions that had unsettled diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Speaking to media during the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Carney was asked if Trump still sought to annex Canada. “No, he is not,” Carney answered directly.
“He admires Canada,” he added. “I think it’s fair to say, maybe for a period of time, he coveted Canada.”
This statement appears to close a chapter in what had become a strange and persistent narrative during Trump’s second presidency. In May, U.S. Ambassador Peter Hoekstra told CBC that Trump had dropped the idea. But within days, Trump posted online that Canada should join the U.S. to benefit from a missile defense program. That message reignited concerns about the administration’s intentions.
Shifting Alliances and New Priorities
Since taking office, Carney has sought to distance Canada from its traditional North American alignment by strengthening partnerships with European allies and Australia. His government has jointly developed a military radar system for the Arctic with Australia and increased defense cooperation with the U.K. and France.
Still, Carney acknowledged that Trump’s pressure had prompted Canada to raise its defense spending. “The president is focused on changing a series of bilateral relations,” Carney said. “He’s been focused on making sure that all members, Canada included, pay their fair share. I think we’re doing that now.”
Middle East Developments
Carney also commented on Trump’s role in the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. While he supported broader diplomatic goals, Carney stressed the importance of basic humanitarian steps, including a full ceasefire, expanded aid access, and the release of hostages.
“He’s used his influence and U.S. power in other situations. We’ve just seen it in Iran,” Carney said. “It does create the possibility of moving forward, and there’s a moral imperative to do so.”
The Canadian leader noted that Iran’s response to U.S. airstrikes on three nuclear facilities was measured. Iranian missiles targeted a regional U.S. base in Qatar but caused minimal damage due to successful interception.
“The military action was also a diplomatic move by Iran,” Carney said. “We never welcome hostilities, but it was proportionate, it was de-escalatory, and it appears to have been previewed.”
As NATO leaders regroup around shared goals and emerging threats, Carney’s remarks reflect a recalibration of Canada-U.S. ties and a broader diplomatic effort to manage the aftershocks of conflict in the Middle East.
