Trump Doubles Down On Canada
On Monday, former President Donald Trump once again expressed his preference for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States, as tensions between the two nations escalated over trade. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump made it clear that, in his view, adding Canada as a state would be a straightforward solution to the trade disputes between the two countries. “What I’d like to see is Canada become our 51st state,” he said when asked what Canada could do to avoid heavy tariffs.
Despite Canada’s long-standing role as one of the U.S.’s most significant trade partners, Trump downplayed the importance of the economic relationship, particularly when it comes to Canadian lumber and automobile production. He argued that America could function without Canadian imports, adding, “We don’t need them. As a state, it’s much different. And there are no tariffs.”
While he acknowledged that the political and economic hurdles to annexing Canada were high, Trump seemed undeterred. “If people wanted to play the game right, it would be 100 percent certain they’d become a state,” he remarked, referring to the complexities of the situation. However, he suggested that political unwillingness and economic discomfort were key barriers that prevented this idea from becoming a reality.
The conversation comes amid rising tensions over U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, set to take effect at midnight. The tariffs will target Canadian goods with a 25 percent levy, excluding energy products, which will face a smaller 10 percent tariff. In retaliation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would impose similar tariffs on over $100 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Republican leaders, such as Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), have raised concerns over the negative impact these tariffs could have on American families and industries, including manufacturers, small businesses, and the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Canadian political figures, including Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, have decried Trump’s tariff policies as unjust, calling for a “dollar-for-dollar” response.
Though the idea of Canada becoming a U.S. state remains more of a rhetorical flourish, it highlights the president’s ongoing frustration with trade negotiations and his desire for policies that prioritize American interests above all else. Despite Canada’s firm rejection of such an idea, Trump’s stance underscores his “America First” approach, which has defined much of his economic strategy.