'Do not expect white smoke': Carney lowers expectations for first Trump sit-down [View all]
Source: Politico
05/02/2025 01:52 PM EDT
OTTAWA Canada is hitting back at President Donald Trumps repeated assertions about making Canada the 51st state by calling on King Charles to personally deliver Canadas throne speech on May 27. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who will meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday, said he asked the monarch to perform the ceremonial role, underscoring Canadas sovereignty.
Its a very clear message being sent to other countries around the world. And its an honor for us, Carney said in French in his first press conference since the Liberals won a minority government in Canadas federal election on Monday.
The invitation to the monarch, who is Canadas head of state, is a dramatic example of the countrys elbows up defiance of Trumps repeated insults and annexation threats. On Monday, Canadians elected a new government to stand up to President Trump and to build a strong economy, Carney said.
Carney said he expects difficult, but constructive conversations with Trump and senior administration officials next week, brushing back suggestions he might face an embarrassing dressing down similar to what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced in March.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/02/carney-expectations-trump-sit-down-00324131