Several major U.S. sports leagues include Canadian teams, with the NBA and MLB each hosting one, while the NHL and MLS feature multiple franchises based in Canada. The United States and Canada have shared a long history of peaceful cooperation and a strong alliance. However, Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to make Canada and the United States something more than just neighbors and allies.
In a 3:30 a.m. post on Truth Social last month, Trump publicly shared his vision of making Canada the 51st state of the United States.
He went so far as to claim that “many Canadians” are in favor of joining the U.S.
“No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
At the time, the idea seemed utterly outrageous, and few people took it seriously. Yet Trump brought it up again on Truth Social this Monday.
Once more, he asserted that this is a proposal many Canadians would embrace.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned. 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 the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Of course, this plan is entirely unrealistic. It would require far more than a simple executive order from Trump, and there’s no evidence that Canada would even entertain the idea.
Needless to say, the whole situation led to a lot of reactions on social media.
“If you are really going to talk about merging, Canadians would probably suggest making the US the 11th province of Canada instead-this way, everyone could enjoy free healthcare!” one person wrote on X.
“He’s gotta stop with this already. It’s not a good look, and Russia and China are watching,” another added.
“Oh my God, I don’t know one Canadian who wants to become American! You say you’re the best country in the world, but I beg to differ. At least we take care of our people and don’t leave them defend for themselves when it comes to health, women’s rights and many other things,” someone else said.
“I don’t think most Canadians or Americans want to jump into having one country. We need to become friends again and share a wonderful trade agreement that benefits both sides,” another person added.
“I don’t like this plan. I think he’s trolling at this point,” someone else said.
“It’s not going to happen… the best thing is for Canada and the United States is something like the EU. We need to work together and if we do …we all win,” another person wrote.
As Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20, it remains to be seen whether he will keep pushing this notion after being sworn in.
