Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, once again raised the controversial idea of making Canada the 51st American state on Wednesday. On his Truth Social platform, he called the possibility a “great idea” while highlighting the economic and military benefits Canadians could gain from it.
“Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state,” he said, adding: “They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it’s a great idea. 51st State!!! »
A provocative statement
The remark was initially made during a November dinner between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Donald Trump reportedly joked that if Canada “couldn’t survive the 25% tariffs,” it could become a U.S. state. Since then, the president-elect has frequently used the term “governor” to designate Justin Trudeau, a title reserved for officials of American states, sparking strong reactions in Canada.
This suggestion comes in a context of political and economic tensions in Canada, marked by the resignation of a key figure in the Canadian government. Internal differences concern in particular how to respond to the increase in customs duties announced by the United States. These taxes, which could reach 25%, threaten the Canadian economy, 75% of whose exports are destined for the United States.
Very limited support in Canada
It was to be expected that the Canadian political class mainly condemned Donald Trump’s comments, considering this proposal as a humiliation. However, studies show some receptiveness to this idea in some regions.
A poll conducted by the Leger Institute between December 6 and 9 revealed that 13% of Canadians would be in favor of their country becoming an American state, while 82% are opposed. Alberta is the region most open to this idea, with 19% of respondents in favor, compared to only 7% in Atlantic Canada. This survey, cited by Newsweek, was carried out among 1,520 Canadians, with a margin of error of 2.51%.
An unrealistic project
Donald Trump’s statements also provoked reactions in the United States. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, in a comment reported by Fox News, made ironic comments about the president-elect. “Does this mean we can adopt the Canadian health care system and guarantee health care for all, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and spend 50% less per capita on health care? I’m all for it,” he said.
Find our file on Canada
Despite the controversy, this hypothesis seems unlikely, according to analysts. Canada, with its 40 million inhabitants, would become the most populous state in the United States, surpassing California. The close ties between the two countries remain for the moment limited to economic and military exchanges.
