In a social media post on the day of Canada’s election, President Donald Trump suggested that Canadians should vote for him to make Canada the 51st state. “Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power for free, and make your industries grow exponentially with zero tariffs or taxes if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State of the United States,” Trump said, seemingly referring to himself. He added, “America can no longer subsidize Canada with the hundreds of billions of dollars a year that we have been spending. It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!”
Despite Trump’s suggestion, Canadians cannot vote for him, as he is not on the ballot. Canada has 16 registered political parties, with the Liberals and Conservatives being the most prominent. Other parties include the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, the United Party, and the Canadian Future Party.
In response, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre sharply criticized Trump’s post, saying, “The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box. Canada will always be proud, sovereign, and independent, and we will NEVER be the 51st state.” He emphasized that Canadians could vote for change to strengthen the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, responded with a video message on X, asserting, “This is Canada — and we decide what happens here.”
Recent polls show the Liberals ahead of the Conservatives, reversing the 25-point lead the Conservatives held just months ago. Canada’s parliamentary system means that if the Liberals secure a majority or form a minority government, Carney will remain prime minister. Most polls are expected to close by 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday.
