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President Trump on Sunday once again floated the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, arguing that such a move would be the best decision for America’s northern neighbor. Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Canada and suggested that eliminating the border between the two countries would enhance both nations.
“I love the people of Canada. We have a great relationship, but if they became our 51st state, it would be the greatest thing they could ever do,” Trump said.
“And think of how beautiful that country would be without that artificial line running right through it. Somebody drew it many years ago with a ruler, just a line.”
The statement is the latest in a series of remarks where Trump has suggested that Canada would benefit from becoming part of the U.S. However, Canadian leaders have repeatedly dismissed any possibility of such a move.
Despite Trump’s claims of a close relationship, Canadian officials have maintained that their nation will remain sovereign and independent.
Later on Sunday, Trump reiterated his stance during an interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier, where he suggested that a major change regarding Canada needs to happen soon. The comments came as the U.S. and Canada reached a temporary agreement to delay the implementation of tariffs for at least 30 days.
“Something has to happen, and more is needed in the next 30 days,” Trump said, referring to trade negotiations with Canada. He added, “I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state.”
Trump justified his argument by pointing to trade imbalances between the two countries, claiming that the U.S. suffers financially in its economic relationship with Canada.
“Because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen, it’s too much,” Trump said. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year essentially in subsidy to Canada? Now if they are a 51st state, I don’t mind doing it.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after he and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to pause the implementation of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports.
The tariffs, which were set to go into effect last week, were postponed as part of an agreement that included new commitments from Canada regarding border security and the fight against fentanyl trafficking.
As part of the deal, Canada agreed to strengthen security along its northern border and take additional steps to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. The Trudeau administration also pledged to implement a $1.3 billion border security plan aimed at reducing illegal crossings and enhancing surveillance.
The agreement with Canada closely resembled a similar deal Trump reached earlier the same day with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The agreement with Mexico focused on migration control and trade adjustments, with Mexico committing to new enforcement measures to reduce illegal immigration into the U.S.
While Trump framed his remarks about Canada in a lighthearted manner, they reflect his administration’s broader stance on trade and border policies.
The president has consistently sought to renegotiate trade relationships with America’s key partners, arguing that past agreements have disproportionately favored other nations at the expense of the U.S. economy.
Trump’s repeated references to Canada as a potential U.S. state have sparked reactions from Canadian officials and citizens, with many dismissing the idea as unrealistic and offensive to Canadian sovereignty.
Trudeau has not directly responded to Trump’s latest remarks but has consistently emphasized Canada’s independence in previous statements.
Political analysts suggest that Trump’s comments are primarily aimed at reinforcing his “America First” agenda ahead of upcoming trade negotiations. By portraying Canada as an economic burden, he may be seeking to pressure Trudeau into further concessions in trade talks.
Despite the rhetoric, experts believe that any formal effort to merge Canada and the U.S. would be virtually impossible due to legal, political, and cultural differences between the two nations.
Canada maintains a distinct political system, strong national identity, and independent international alliances that would make any such integration highly unlikely.
For now, the focus remains on trade discussions and border security commitments between the two countries. With the 30-day tariff pause in place, both sides are expected to engage in further negotiations to avoid another economic standoff.
Whether Trump continues to push the idea of Canada joining the U.S. remains to be seen, but his latest comments suggest that he views the relationship with Canada as one that still needs significant change.
