Recent weeks have seen President Trump float the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state. While some debate whether it's a serious proposition or simply political maneuvering, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly believes the former, according to various news outlets.
During a private meeting with Canadian business and labor representatives, Trudeau allegedly confirmed Trump's annexation ambitions are genuine. CBC reports that before a microphone malfunction, Trudeau stated, "Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on …"
Although media were asked to leave before Trudeau's remarks, CBC and The Toronto Star reportedly overheard and recorded them. Trudeau apparently linked the annexation idea to Canada's wealth of critical minerals, suggesting the US wants access to these resources. Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, corroborated Trudeau's statements on X (formerly Twitter), claiming Trump's ultimate goal is to control or absorb Canada, using tariffs as a strategic tool.
Trump initially raised the 51st state concept during a Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trudeau in late November. He has also suggested annexing Greenland. Canada, a nation of over 40 million and a founding NATO member, possesses abundant natural resources, including oil, which it supplies to the US.
Trump has consistently criticized Canada and Mexico for their handling of illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, into the US. He also alleges the US subsidizes Canada by $200 billion annually.
Over the past weekend, Trump reiterated his annexation suggestion, proposing that Canada would be exempt from his planned tariffs if it became part of the US. He argued that Canada's viability as a country hinges on massive US subsidies and touted the benefits of becoming the 51st state: lower taxes, enhanced military protection, and tariff exemption. However, following a conversation with Trudeau, Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on the tariffs after Trudeau made certain concessions, including a $1.3 billion border plan, the appointment of a fentanyl czar, and strengthened border security measures.
The US relies on Canada for roughly 60% of its crude oil imports, with Alberta alone supplying a significant portion. Canada is also the primary export destination for many US states, facilitating substantial daily cross-border trade. Furthermore, Canada is a major source of critical minerals essential for various industries, including electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and semiconductors.
