Trump Team Doubles Down On Canada

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a bold statement Wednesday, suggesting that Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States could be the most effective way to strengthen the two nations’ economies. Speaking on Fox Business Network’s Varney & Co., Lutnick explained, “The best way, as the president has said, to truly integrate the economies of Canada and the U.S. is for Canada to join us as the 51st state. If they want to merge, that’s the way to do it.”

Lutnick’s remarks come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Canada are rising over trade and tariffs. Recently, President Trump announced plans to increase steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada in response to a surcharge imposed on electricity by the Ontario government. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford later stated that he would back down on the surcharge, following what he described as an “olive branch” from the U.S. and a scheduled meeting with Lutnick.

While President Trump has previously floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, Mark Carney, who is set to become the new prime minister of Canada, firmly rejected the notion, claiming, “Canada will never, ever be part of America in any way, shape, or form.”

But Lutnick pushed back on that perspective, pointing out the practical reality of American-made cars being produced in Canada. “Why are American cars made in Canada? Those jobs should be in America,” he said. “The president believes that, and that’s the direction he’s committed to moving in.”

Lutnick emphasized that if Canada wants to integrate more closely with the U.S. economically, it needs to work with the U.S. to streamline and align policies. He reiterated the president’s view, urging Canada to consider the benefits of joining the U.S. as the 51st state, which would bring undeniable advantages to both countries’ economic futures.