Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was overheard on a hot microphone discussing President Trump’s serious interest in annexing Canada and making it the 51st U.S. state. In an audio clip published by CBC, Trudeau could be heard stating, “Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing.”
Trump has previously speculated about the U.S. annexing various territories, including Greenland, the Panama Canal, and the Gaza Strip. He had also made comments suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state, citing benefits like lower taxes, improved military protection, and the elimination of tariffs.
The U.S.-Canada relationship shifted when Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, to which Canada responded with tariffs of its own. However, just before the tariffs were set to take effect, the two leaders agreed to delay the implementation.
In response to security concerns, Trudeau stated that Canada was updating its border security measures, including appointing a Fentanyl Czar and launching a Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
While Trump cited the flow of fentanyl from Canada as a reason for the tariffs, U.S. officials acknowledged that the majority of fentanyl comes from China, not Canada. In a recent Ipsos poll, 80% of Canadians opposed joining the U.S., although 30% would support it if full U.S. citizenship and currency conversion were offered.
Canada, with a population of over 40 million, remains the fourth-largest country by land area, larger than any U.S. state.
