Staff Reports
In a recent gathering that had the makings of diplomatic faux pas turned comedic gold, Donald Trump reportedly toyed with the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the United States, perhaps with a cheeky nod to its current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. At a meeting last week, Trump took his usual stance on Canada’s shortcomings in curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and in true Trump fashion, saw an opportunity to make the conversation a little more entertaining.
During the dinner at his estate in Florida, Trump’s demand for stricter action from Canada came with the threat of a hefty 25% tariff on Canadian exports. Trudeau responded with the familiar worry that such a move would spell disaster for Canada’s economy. Trump’s response, that if Canada is raking in about $100 billion as a result of trade “rip-offs” from the U.S., it might as well just join the Union, was met with a mix of nervous laughter and astonishment. After all, when did the possibility of Canadian statehood become part of trade negotiations?
Trump told Trudeau that if they can’t afford the tariffs he can annex Canada and make it the 51st state. pic.twitter.com/eEpVD2ydGi
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 3, 2024
This dialog not only showcased Trump’s classic style of mixing humor with serious discussion, but it also highlighted the stark reality of the current relationship between the U.S. and Canada. The notion of being a state prompted a light-hearted suggestion from Trump that Trudeau could still hold the illustrious title of “Prime Minister” while moonlighting as a governor. Nothing like a little mockery to lighten the mood while discussing the critical challenges of border security and trade.
Amid brainstorming what a Canada-state could look like, an unnamed dinner guest pointed out the potential electoral implications, declaring that Canada’s liberal leanings would likely turn it into a deep-blue state. Placing tongue firmly in cheek, Trump downplayed the concern, suggesting a split—one state for conservatives and another for liberals. Who knew that the future of border policy could simultaneously serve as a blueprint for statehood?
While the laughter resonated throughout the room, this exchange underscores a more serious call to action from Trump. He laid down a serious expectation for Canada to step up its game before he takes office on January 20. Whether or not this was merely a humorous jab or indicative of actual policy discussions, it’s clear that Trump isn’t shying away from strong rhetoric. After all, if Canada isn’t pulling its weight, Trump might just be plotting a way to incorporate maple syrup into the American way of life—post statehood, of course.
