Donald Trump has never been one to shy away from controversial or bewildering statements, but his recent suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States has left many shaking their heads. The remark came during a tense post-Thanksgiving meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The two leaders met to discuss Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, which Trudeau warned could devastate the Canadian economy.
Trump, seemingly undeterred by the dire implications outlined by Trudeau, retorted by questioning Canada’s economic viability without what he described as “ripping off the U.S.” to the tune of $100 billion. Then, in a move that defied diplomatic norms, Trump suggested that Canada could simply join the U.S. as its 51st state. He went so far as to propose Trudeau serve as governor, adding that Canada could even be split into two states—one conservative and one liberal.
While the remarks were met with nervous laughter and speculation that Trump was joking, many are convinced he was entirely serious. For Canadians and Americans alike, the notion has sparked a mixture of disbelief, mockery, and anxiety about the future of U.S.-Canada relations.
Thanks for dinner last night, President Trump. I look forward to the work we can do together, again. pic.twitter.com/lAWFMTtQt7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 30, 2024
The proposal was just the latest in a series of unpredictable moves by Trump since his re-election, as he doubles down on his aggressive trade policies. His tariff plans have already drawn significant criticism domestically, with many Americans fearing further hikes in grocery prices and other essential goods. Now, Canada finds itself in the crosshairs of Trump’s economic strategy, and Trudeau’s relatively muted response following their meeting has done little to quell the growing unease.
Despite the absurdity of the suggestion, Trump characterized the meeting as “very productive,” while Trudeau has largely refrained from public commentary. Online, however, the interaction has fueled a wave of discourse, with Reddit threads and social media posts dissecting every detail of the bizarre encounter.
As Trump barrels forward with his vision for U.S. dominance—whether through tariffs or off-the-cuff proposals like absorbing Canada—the world watches with bated breath. The next four years promise to be anything but ordinary, leaving allies and adversaries alike bracing for the unexpected. Meanwhile, figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene are sure to keep the Twitterverse buzzing with commentary on Trump’s latest escapades.
