U.S. President Donald Trump is again suggesting that Canadians think about becoming the 51st state, and he made this appeal on the morning of Canada’s federal election.
On Monday, Trump shared a message on Truth Social encouraging Canadians to choose a leader focused on reducing taxes, boosting military strength, and eliminating tariffs, although he did not specify any particular candidate.
“Good luck to the wonderful people of Canada. Choose a leader who has the power and insight to slash your taxes in half, enhance your military capabilities to the highest level in the world at no cost, and make your industries like Cars, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, and Energy grow fourfold, without taxes or tariffs, if Canada joins as the beloved 51st state of the United States,” he wrote.
“No more artificial boundaries from years past. Imagine how magnificent this land would be. Free access with NO BORDER. ALL UPSIDES AND NO DOWNSIDES. IT WAS DESTINED TO HAPPEN! America can no longer subsidize Canada with the billions spent each year. It’s illogical unless Canada becomes a State,” he added.
Trump’s remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state began during his second presidential term, significantly influencing the historic election unfolding in Canada.
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Trump’s ongoing questioning of Canada’s independence, partially fueled by a tariff dispute that began in North America and later intensified globally, looms over the federal election, making many Canadian voters think about which candidate is best suited to handle relations with the Trump administration.
While his comments about Canada’s sovereignty have been less frequent in recent weeks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted earlier this month that Trump still wishes to see Canada become the 51st state.
Last week, during a conversation with Time magazine to discuss his first 100 days in office, Trump reiterated his intention to annex Canada.
“You’ve talked about acquiring Greenland, controlling the Panama Canal, and making Canada the 51st state. Maybe you’re joking about that. I’m not sure,” the interviewer mentioned, according to the published transcript.
“Actually, no, I’m serious,” Trump replied.
“I’m genuinely not joking. Canada is a fascinating situation.”
Trump then falsely claimed that the U.S. spends billions each year “supporting Canada” and took another jab at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as “Governor.”
“I asked a man I called Governor Trudeau, ‘Why do you think we are losing so much money supporting you? Is that appropriate for another country to facilitate this?’ He had no answer,” Trump stated.
He further claimed that the U.S. funds Canada’s military and “every aspect” of Canadian citizens’ lives.
In a campaign video released on Monday morning, Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney, who was reported to be leading Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre by four percentage points in a recent Ipsos poll, stated: “This is Canada, and we are the ones who determine our future; let’s choose unity and strength.”
In response to President Trump’s recent remarks about Canada, Poilievre addressed the issue on social media, writing on X: “President Trump, please refrain from interfering in our election. The future of Canada will be determined by Canadians at the polls. Our nation will always remain proud, sovereign, and independent; we will NEVER become the 51st state.”
Canadians across the nation can cast their votes on Monday. Global News will provide live updates on results and announcements through our online platforms and on television.
— Reporting by Global News’ Uday Rana
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