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President-elect Donald Trump has ignited controversy by proposing a bold plan to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.
CNN political commentator Van Jones shared his thoughts on the matter, describing the potential addition of Canada as a “huge blue state” during a discussion on CNN’s “NewsNight” on Monday.
Jones, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, expressed amusement and support for the idea, highlighting Canada’s progressive policies and healthcare system. “I don’t understand why anybody is mad at Trump about this,” Jones said during the panel discussion.
“If Trump wants Canada to become the 51st state, it would be a huge blue state. They have an amazing healthcare system. Honestly, if Canada wants to rescue us, I’m all for it.”
Conservative commentator Scott Jennings, also on the panel, appeared to agree with Jones, retracting his earlier criticisms of the proposal.
“Exactly. I don’t think Trump has fully thought this through,” Jones added, emphasizing the appeal of Canada’s progressive policies aligning with Democratic values.
The idea gained traction following a surprise announcement from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier in the day. Trudeau revealed plans to resign by 2025, marking the end of his nine-year tenure. Trump seized the moment, suggesting that a U.S.-Canada merger could benefit both nations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump elaborated on the advantages of merging the two countries.
“If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” he wrote.
Trump’s comments come after a history of tense relations with Canada. Last year, he threatened a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports unless the country strengthened border security and reduced the flow of fentanyl entering the U.S. from the northern border.
Prime Minister Trudeau warned that such tariffs would harm cooperation between the two nations.
Trudeau and Trump have also exchanged barbs in recent months. Following their November meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump referred to Trudeau as the “governor” of Canada, mocking the Liberal Party leader’s position.
Despite the tension, Trudeau did not directly address Trump’s proposal, focusing instead on Canada’s upcoming general election later this year.
While Trump’s suggestion of merging with Canada might seem far-fetched, it underscores his unconventional approach to leadership and diplomacy.
By framing the idea as a solution to economic and security concerns, Trump has sparked debate on the practicality and desirability of such a union.
For Jones, however, the appeal of a massive, progressive state joining the union outweighs the complexities. “It would be wonderful to have Canada with us,” he remarked, suggesting that such a move could significantly shift the political balance in the U.S.
The discussion has left Americans and Canadians speculating about the implications of Trump’s vision.
As Canada prepares for its next election and the U.S. enters a new administration, the idea of a merger remains an intriguing, if unlikely, possibility.
