Donald Trump’s Remarks on Canada as '51st State' Stir Debate

Trump’s social media posts and comments about Canada’s potential statehood provoke reactions, though widely dismissed as unserious.

President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as the '51st State' in social media posts and public comments, including calling Justin Trudeau the 'Governor' of Canada.
Trump has claimed that the U.S. 'subsidizes' Canada by billions annually, though this assertion has been challenged by Canadian commentators and trade figures.
The remarks follow the resignation of Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, which Trump mocked as a reflection of Canada's political instability under Trudeau's leadership.
Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Trudeau, have largely remained silent on Trump’s comments, drawing criticism from some for not addressing the narrative directly.
While Trump’s statements are widely seen as trolling, some analysts suggest they reflect his interest in Canada’s natural resources, including oil and water.