Trump Suggests Canada Could Become 51st State, Raises Concerns Over Trade and Sovereignty

President Donald Trump’s comments on annexing Canada as the 51st state have sparked controversy and concern over U.S. intentions towards its northern neighbor.

During a pre-taped interview with Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier, aired during the Super Bowl pre-show, President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial stance on Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state. Trump argued that such a move would economically benefit the U.S., citing a supposed $200 billion annual loss to Canada, a claim that has been widely disputed.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed alarm at Trump’s statements, suggesting that they are tied to U.S. interest in Canadian natural resources. Trump’s rhetoric has been met with strong opposition in Canada, where the idea of joining the U.S. is deeply unpopular.

The President also used the interview to criticize Canada’s military spending and its reliance on U.S. protection, raising questions about the future of NATO alliances. As tensions escalate, Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 25% duty on steel and aluminum imports announced for Monday, add fuel to the fire of strained U.S.-Canada relations.

Trump’s comments come at a time when his administration is pushing forward with an aggressive agenda, including the controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ and plans for drastic federal government restructuring led by billionaire Elon Musk.