U.S. President Donald Trump halted discussion of Canada during a press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer in Washington Thursday.
Starmer was asked if King Charles had expressed concern over Trump’s repeated claims that he wants to annex Canada. As he responded, Starmer accused the reporter of “trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist,” before Trump interrupted, saying “that’s enough.” The White House tells CTV News Trump was talking to a reporter, not Starmer.
Trump welcomed Starmer to the White House in a highly anticipated meeting between the two leaders. During the press conference, they spoke about their countries’ defence and trade ties across the Atlantic. Following brief statements, the two opened the floor to questions from journalists.
“For the prime minister,” began one reporter, “did you discuss, with President Trump, his repeated statements of desire to annex Canada, and has the King expressed any concern over the president’s apparent desire to remove one of his realms from his control?”
Trump, for his part, did not address the journalist’s questions regarding Canada.
“You mentioned Canada,” Starmer said, speaking after the president. “I think you’re trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist. We’re the closest of nations and we had very good discussions today, but we didn’t discuss Canada.
Trump then cut him off, appearing to garner some laughter in the room.
Starmer said nothing, and the president encouraged another journalist to pose a question.
Since Dec. 2024, Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada as the U.S.’ 51st state, referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor.”
Annexation of the country would inadvertently involve the British Monarchy as Canada belongs to the Commonwealth, a relationship that spans more than a century.King Charles, aligning with the monarchy’s long-standing tradition of political neutrality, has not commented on Trump’s threats despite being Canada’s head of state.
The monarchy’s careful handling of political tensions shows its key role in protecting Canadian sovereignty while maintaining good relations with their southern neighbour, CTV News’ royal commentator Afua Hagan says.
Correction
This story has been updated to include the White House’s response about whom Trump was speaking to.
