Prime Minister Carney claps back at Trump’s annexation talk, and Canada claps back harder with memes and maple syrup.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stepped into the Oval Office on May 6, 2025, and told U.S. President Donald Trump, “Canada will never be for sale,” politely but firmly rejecting Trump’s idea of turning the Great White North into the 51st state, per CBC. The two leaders met for the first time to discuss trade and security in the middle of a growing tariff war. While Carney emphasized what “we can build together,” Canadians online were quick to respond with a chorus of national pride and humor, making it clear they’re not interested in a real estate deal.
The Backstory: Trump’s Annexation Obsession
Trump started floating annexation talk in January 2025, then downplayed it in an NBC interview, saying military action was “highly unlikely,” per CBC. Still, he reignited the controversy with an election-day post suggesting Canadians “elect him” as their leader, per CBC News. Carney, who revitalized the Liberal Party amid backlash to Trump’s remarks, wasn’t buying it. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian exports to the U.S. are down 12% in 2025—another reason Ottawa isn’t rolling out the welcome mat.
“If I may, as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” Carney said, in front of a room full of politicians, top staffers and reporters.
“We’re sitting in one right now… And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale.”
“(It) won’t be for sale ever,” he added.
While Trump smiled and nodded as Carney spoke, he also referred to the border as an “artificial line,” and insisted “never say never.”
“I’ve had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable, and only doable in a very friendly way,” Trump said. “But if it’s to everybody’s benefit, you know, Canada loves us, and we love Canada, that’s, I think, the number one thing that’s important.”
Carney’s Stance: Partnership, Not Possession
Carney’s message was clear: cooperation, not conquest. He highlighted the $1 trillion annual trade between the two countries, which benefits both economies and is largely powered by businesses. Trump, who reportedly told The Atlantic he swung Canada’s election—claiming “the Conservative was leading by 25 points” until he spoke up—was unfazed. But Carney underscored Canadian values like multiculturalism and constitutional autonomy, per Canada.ca, drawing a firm line in diplomatic snow.
Canadian Pop Culture Weighs In: Smoky Summer Jokes
Online, Canadians turned to humor—eh, naturally. X users revived the 2023 wildfire meme era, joking about Trump taking on Canada’s “putrid air quality,” per Complex. The tone was sarcastic but proud: “We’ll keep the smoky summers, the poutine, and the passports, thanks.” It’s a reminder of the country’s cultural resilience and distinct identity.
Canadian Celebrities Push Back
Several Canadian celebrities have spoken out or made gestures in protest of Trump’s annexation chatter. Entertainment news and social media coverage have highlighted reactions from stars like Ryan Reynolds, Drake, Celine Dion, and Mike Myers—who reportedly wore a protest tee during an SNL sketch. While direct quotes are sparse, their presence in the conversation signals that Canada’s cultural icons aren’t amused.
American Celebrities in Canada: Fleeing Trump, Only to Face Him Again?
The irony isn’t lost on Americans who once looked north for refuge. Back in 2016, celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Lena Dunham said they’d move to Canada if Trump won, though few actually did, per The Guardian. Rosie O’Donnell made good on the promise more recently, buying a house in Ireland and telling CBC she didn’t want to live in the U.S. under Trump. In 2017, U.S. applications to Canadian universities spiked by 29%. If annexation somehow happened, those who made the leap might need a Plan C.
What’s Next for Canada-U.S. Relations?
The Carney-Trump meeting sets a cautious tone going forward. With tariffs disrupting a trillion-dollar trade relationship and Trump’s rhetoric inflaming Canadian politics, the neighbors might need more than polite diplomacy to patch things up. For now, Canada’s holding the line—with firm words, strong values, and yes, some very pointed memes.
Sources:
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CBC, “Carney tells Trump Canada will ‘never’ be for sale as leaders meet at White House,” May 6, 2025
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CBC News, “ANALYSIS | Trump knows exactly what he just triggered in Canada,” April 29, 2025
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Canada.ca, “Canadian identity and society,” accessed May 6, 2025
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Complex, “The Top 5 Most Memorable Canadian Memes Of 2023,” December 21, 2023
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The Guardian, “I really will: the stars who didn’t move to Canada when Trump won,” January 9, 2024
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CBC, “Rosie O’Donnell says she’s leaving U.S., bought a house in Ireland because of Trump,” February 18, 2025
News compiled by Derek Gibbs and Edgar B.
Published on May 6, 2025
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