Trump, Canada PM Clash Over ‘51st State’ Talk: The Elephant in the Room

Tensions flared as U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney went head-to-head over the controversial idea of Canada becoming America’s "51st state."
What started as an offhand remark turned into a pointed exchange, with Carney calling it “the elephant in the room” and firmly asserting Canada’s independence.

The idea sparked backlash across Canada, where citizens rallied behind their prime minister’s stance.
Observers say the moment revealed deeper political and cultural divides between the two leaders—one pushing bold rhetoric, the other pushing back with national pride.