Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has officially thrown his hat into the ring when it comes to making Canada the United States’ 51st state. In a pre-Super Bowl interview on Fox, Trump expressed both seriousness and indignation about the ongoing trade issues between the two countries, claiming the U.S. loses a staggering $200 billion annually to its northern neighbor. For anyone who thought the idea of Canadian statehood was just a whimsical joke, think again; according to Trump, it’s as real as maple syrup and moose.
Let’s unpack this. Trump has long been critical of how Canada handles trade, arguing fervently that American taxpayers are effectively subsidizing our maple-loving allies. Mentioning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump backed Trudeau’s assertion that the discussion about statehood comes with some serious merit. After all, if Canada were to become the 51st state, the U.S. wouldn’t have to keep pouring money down the maple-syrup-draining sinkhole of trade deficits.
In what could only be described as a slip of the tongue, Trudeau reportedly spilled the beans about these discussions while addressing business and labor leaders—only to have a loudspeaker accidentally broadcast his comments. The irony was not lost on those who believe that perhaps Trudeau and Trump could be cooking up more than just pancakes together. The Canadian Prime Minister was allegedly very open with business leaders about Trump’s interest in “absorbing” Canada into the U.S., a plan that seems to be getting traction—at least in Trump’s head.
Trump: Trudeau is right, I do want Canada to be 51st statehttps://t.co/0za8KGVCk9 pic.twitter.com/TEJkc3XPFw
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 10, 2025
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump underscored that all of this could end up being very beneficial for both nations, leaving many to wonder about the future. Imagine it: Canadian hockey players playing under the Stars and Stripes, and all the universal healthcare jokes one could possibly make. With Canadian lumber and oil potentially flowing across state lines as U.S. resources – that could save taxpayers (and Trump) a bundle.
Of course, the push for a 51st state raises eyebrows, especially since it forces one to consider what would happen to Canadian culture as they blend into the great American melting pot. Would the Mounties finally trade in their horses for pickup trucks? How many Canadian poutine restaurants would have to convert to burger joints? Inquiring minds want to know, but for now, all we can do is sit back, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the show as discussions about statehood may or may not surface in political circles.
