President-elect Donald Trump sparked conversation Wednesday with his bold suggestion that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States. Taking to Truth Social, Trump claimed that the idea has support among some Canadians, particularly as Ottawa navigates its current political challenges.
“Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State,” Trump wrote. “They’d save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it’s a great idea. 51st State!!!”
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea, which some see as lighthearted banter, while others view it as provocative. The remarks come on the heels of Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigning abruptly earlier this week, adding to the political tensions in the country.
A recent survey by market research firm Leger revealed that 13% of Canadians might actually entertain the idea of closer ties with their southern neighbors.
Trump previously raised this notion during a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago last month. According to reports, his comment about merging the two nations sparked laughter at the table, though reactions back in Ottawa were less amused.
Critics have dismissed the suggestion as tone-deaf and even humiliating, particularly in light of Trump’s earlier threats of imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods to address concerns about fentanyl trafficking. Trump has also claimed that such a merger could help tackle illegal immigration, although that issue primarily affects the U.S. southern border.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump has taken to referring to Trudeau as the “Governor of Canada” in his social media posts, a move that has raised eyebrows and stirred unease among Canadians.
The timing of Trump’s comments coincides with mounting political pressure on Trudeau’s government. Freeland’s resignation letter revealed a rift between her and Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s tariff threats and manage a potential trade war. Her departure has not only shaken Trudeau’s cabinet but has also energized his critics.
With over 75% of Canada’s exports heading to the U.S. and nearly two million Canadian jobs relying on cross-border trade, any strain in the relationship between the two nations carries serious consequences.
While Trump’s comments may seem like playful rhetoric to some, they underscore the delicate dynamics between Canada and the U.S., particularly as political and economic uncertainties loom large.
