Trump Cracks Joke With Canada’s Prime Minister In Hot Mic Moment

A lighthearted moment between President Donald J. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stole headlines Monday at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, after Trump accidentally referred to Carney as “President.”

The international summit — attended by over two dozen heads of state — marked a significant step toward finalizing a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, a diplomatic priority for President Trump’s second-term foreign policy agenda.

“You have Canada. That’s so great to have. In fact, the President called, and he wanted to know if it was worth—well, he knew exactly what it is. He knew the importance. Where’s Canada, by the way? Where are you? He knew the importance of this,” Trump said during his remarks.

Following the speech, Prime Minister Carney approached Trump for a handshake, joking,

“Thanks for upgrading me to President.”

Trump laughed and replied,

“Oh, did I call you that? At least I didn’t call you a governor.”

The good-natured exchange quickly went viral online, with social media users on both sides of the border commenting on the friendly rapport between the two leaders — even amid ongoing trade and defense negotiations.

According to News18, Trump has pushed for a stronger U.S.-Canada economic alignment while also imposing tariffs designed to protect American industries. Despite occasional tensions, both leaders have described their recent discussions as productive.

During a May visit to the White House, Carney said trade talks were “complex” but “very constructive.” He acknowledged he had encouraged Trump to drop his playful suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state.

“I told him that it wasn’t useful to repeat this idea, but the president will say what he wants,” Carney said in French.

The Canadian government recently expressed interest in joining Trump’s newly unveiled Golden Dome missile defense system, designed to protect North America and allied territories from global threats.

In May, Trump wrote on Truth Social:

“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation. But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”

Carney, who won his April election largely on a platform of defending Canadian sovereignty, has firmly rejected the idea. Earlier this month, he reiterated that his country “won’t be for sale, ever.”

Even King Charles III, Canada’s constitutional monarch, appeared to indirectly respond to Trump’s remarks in a speech to the Canadian Parliament, stating:

“Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away.”

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that U.S.-Canada talks continue regarding participation in the Golden Dome and other joint defense programs.

“Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,” a spokesperson for Carney told BBC News.

The Golden Dome — estimated at $175 billion — is expected to be operational within three years, establishing a new satellite-based shield against missile threats. President Trump has framed the initiative as a historic leap in national and allied defense — one that will, in his words, “keep North America the safest place on Earth.”