You will shortly be re-directed to the publisher's website
The American president cited trade benefits and military protection that Ottawa would receive amid an escalating tariff dispute between the two countries
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his proposal for Canada to become the 51st state of the US, promising that such a move would lead to “no tariffs” and “much lower taxes” for Canadians. Ottawa previously firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing the country’s commitment to national sovereignty.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Trump stated: “We pay hundreds of billions of dollars to subsidize Canada. Why? There is no reason.” He further suggested that without US support, its northern neighbor would struggle to remain viable and proposed statehood as a solution, promising “much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada – and no tariffs!”
This statement follows his decision to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trump acknowledged that Americans might experience “some pain” from these measures but emphasized their necessity for long-term benefits.
In response, both neighboring countries announced counter tariffs. “It will have real consequences for you, the American people,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned, indicating it would result in higher prices on groceries and other goods.
Trudeau has firmly rejected the notion of Canada joining the US, stating there is “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of it happening.
This is not the first time Trump has raised the idea of territorial expansion. After returning to the White House, he has revived efforts to acquire Greenland and take control of the Panama Canal, citing national security imperatives. These proposals have been met with rejection from the government of Panama and Denmark.
The suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state has elicited widespread criticism from Canadian officials across the political spectrum. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated that “Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country.” New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh dismissed the proposal as absurd, asserting that no Canadian desires such a union.
Public opinion in Canada reflects strong opposition to the idea of joining the US. A recent poll suggested that only 13% of Canadians support such a notion, while 82% are opposed.
