How Canadians are reacting to Trump’s “51st state” threats

Artwork of a thermometer, framed by two different depictions of Donald Trump, one who is heavenly, the other where he appears as a devil. CREDIT: CALEIGH REID
Trump has repeatedly joked about making Canada the 51st state of the US, but most Canadians are not interested in the suggestion.

An idea that first started as a harmless gag has now grown into a crazed and unrealistic proposition from the incoming US president. It all started as a joke when President-elect Donald Trump had an exchange with Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, at his Mar-a-Lago estate earlier last month. 

The joke has now snowballed into something larger, with constant instigations from Trump that have made national headlines in both the US and Canada.  When Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland surprised Canadians with her recent resignation, Trump posted to his Truth Social account congratulating Canadians.

“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behaviour was toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!” said Trump.

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In a recent press conference, Trump was questioned by journalists about how he would go about annexing the country. Trump said his plan would include the use of economic force. He added that moving industries like lumber and automobile manufacturing solely to the US would be beneficial as he claims the government loses $200 billion dollars a year “protecting” Canada.

Ben Crossett, a Journalism Broadcast student at Fanshawe, expressed how the ongoing debate about joining the two North American countries has gotten out of hand.

“Donald Trump’s gag of Canada becoming the 51st state is an outrageous joke to be made as the leader of the world’s most powerful military and comments like these were not made during his election campaign, as it’s nothing more than the American way of ‘manifesting destiny,’” said Crossett.

In a recent poll asking Canadians if they support the idea of becoming the 51st state, 21 per cent of those who supported the idea were Conservative with the lowest eight per cent coming from the NDP.

“21 per cent do not speak for the entirety of Canada,” said Crossett. “Canada has free health care, stricter gun laws and a better political system to name a few reasons. Joining the US would be an idiotic decision.”

In response, Canadian politicians have joked and made counter-offers to the president’s proposal, suggesting the US should bargain with some of their states.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded by saying, “To the president, I’ll make him a counter-offer. How about if we buy Alaska? And we’ll throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” said Ford.

Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May was more vocal, taking jabs at the president for his threats.

“Donald, think about it, you could get rid of all these states that always vote Democrat…But honestly President Trump, get used to it. Canada is a Sovereign Nation,” said May.

On the other hand, Crossett said that Canadian politicians entertaining Trump’s comments does less good and adds more fuel to the fire.

“Doug Ford and Elizabeth May responding by saying Canada will annex US states is nothing more than continuing the gag. It seems to be a light-hearted joke to calm the nerves of some Canadians,” he said.

Canada is not the only land mass Trump has openly commented on adding to the union as he and his team have entertained the talk of purchasing Greenland. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, recently visited the territory with other MAGA team members weeks after his father expressed interest in making it a part of the US.

Trump will officially take office as president on Jan. 20.