Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to have successfully avoided a diplomatic disaster by not suggesting an actual merger between the United States and Canada, but during a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, he couldn’t resist joking about it. Trudeau’s revelation during an interview with Jen Psaki on MSNBC provided a glimpse into his peculiar sense of humor and questionable political instincts. Instead of sealing the deal on trade or foreign policy, Trudeau meandered into the absurdity of Canada becoming the 52nd state—a notion that left Trump less than amused.
Trudeau pondered out loud about potentially “trading” states like Vermont or California for parts of Canada. While this is likely meant to be light-hearted banter, it speaks volumes about Trudeau’s knack for misreading the room. Instead of engaging in constructive conversation about trade relations—something actual leaders would prioritize—Trudeau opted for a joke that not even the most ardent supporters of Canadian sovereignty would find amusing. Trump’s immediate dismissal of the idea indicates that even the President-elect understands that Canada is unlikely to become a state in the near future, even if the current political climate is strange enough that nothing seems impossible anymore.
Trudeau later took to social media to reiterate his claims that there’s no way in “tarnation” that Canada would ever join the U.S.—a statement some may find more theatrical than truthful. Claiming that both countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading partners is certainly true, but it seems Trudeau is living in a fantasy world if he thinks he can maintain that relationship while making wild jokes at America’s expense. It’s almost like he thinks that just because his country is north of the U.S., it exists in some untouched political bubble free from the laws of international relations.
Trudeau Just Shed More Light on that '51st State' Meeting With Trump
https://t.co/zrNjkQyBI7— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 12, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump has been enjoying the comedic value of Trudeau’s antics. In his typical Trumpian fashion, he labeled Trudeau the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” while amplifying the idea that many Canadians would actually welcome a union with Uncle Sam. The former president is never one to shy away from poking fun at his opponents, and Trudeau’s recent comments provided ample fuel for that fire. If anything, Australians may soon start requesting similar deals—who wouldn’t want to swap a state for a pint of beer?
As amusing as it might be to imagine Canada as the newest, albeit chilly state in the Union, the reality is that Trudeau’s grip on Canadian politics continues to slip. His inability to navigate this facet of his interaction with the incoming President might just serve as a wake-up call to the leaders north of the border. As Canadians contemplate their future, they may find that their Prime Minister’s jokes might be the least of their worries as he seeks to maintain a partnership shaped by jokes instead of principles.