Prime Minister Carney Declares Trump No Longer Seeks Canada Annexation

During a recent interview at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his focus away from previously expressed interests in annexing Canada. Carney's comments, made during a conversation with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on June 24, 2025, mark a significant change in the narrative surrounding U.S.-Canada relations.

Carney clarified that Trump no longer expresses a desire to transform Canada into the 51st state, saying, "No, he is not" when asked if Trump still covets Canada. He added, "He admires Canada," reflecting a more amicable tone towards the bilateral relationship. This statement aligns with previous remarks made by Peter Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, who noted on May 22, 2025, that Trump had ceased discussions regarding the annexation of Canada.

Historically, the idea of annexing Canada surfaced sporadically during Trump's presidency, often met with criticism and skepticism from both sides of the border. The sentiment among Canadian officials has generally been one of concern regarding Trump's unpredictability in foreign policy. However, Carney's recent statements indicate a cooling of tensions.

In the interview, Carney acknowledged that Trump has inadvertently influenced Canada to increase its defense spending, particularly to meet NATO's benchmarks. "The president is focused on changing a series of bilateral relations," Carney remarked, emphasizing that Canada is now contributing its fair share to NATO. This marks a shift in Canada's defense strategy, which has historically faced scrutiny for underfunding.

The prime minister also highlighted Trump’s potential role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, suggesting that the U.S. president could be pivotal in achieving peace in the region. "He’s used his influence and U.S. power in other situations... it does create possibility of moving forward," Carney noted, referring to the recent tensions in Iran and the Middle East.

This diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy by Canada under Carney's leadership, which has included fostering closer ties with European allies and strengthening defense capabilities in the Arctic. The Canadian government has also been proactive in addressing emerging threats and collaborating with allies, as illustrated by recent partnerships with Australia to develop advanced military radar systems in the Arctic.

As relations between the U.S. and Canada continue to evolve, Carney's statements suggest a new chapter—one where mutual respect and cooperation may take precedence over past aggressive rhetoric. However, the long-term implications of Trump's foreign policy choices on Canada remain to be seen, particularly as both nations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The question now is whether this newfound cordiality will translate into sustained collaboration or if unpredictability will resurface in U.S.-Canada relations in the future.