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File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his stance that Canada should become the 51st state, declaring he is “serious” about the idea in an interview aired during the Super Bowl pre-show on Sunday.
"I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I'm not going to let that happen," Trump said, adding, "Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?"
However, according to the news agency AP, the US does not subsidise Canada. The trade deficit with the resource-rich nation stood at $72 billion in 2023, largely due to American imports of Canadian energy.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently acknowledged Trump’s remarks as a genuine concern, rather than political rhetoric. "Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing," Trudeau reportedly told business leaders, according to CBC.
He suggested that Trump’s interest is tied to Canada's critical mineral resources, which are essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and clean energy.
Trump has made multiple public references to annexing Canada, once referring to Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau” on Truth Social. His administration has also threatened 25% tariffs on all Canadian exports, excluding energy, which would be taxed at 10%. However, a 30-day pause on these tariffs was agreed upon after Canada pledged to enhance border security.
Canada’s response
To counter the pressure, Canada has launched a $1.3 billion CAD ($900 million USD) border security plan, including drones, helicopters, and a joint task force with the US. It also appointed a "fentanyl czar" to address American concerns over drug trafficking.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s industry minister, had emphasised the deep interdependence between the two economies. “This is about a confident Canada,” he said.
Meanwhile, an Ipsos poll found that 80% of Canadians oppose becoming part of the US, as per BBC.
With the tariff reprieve nearing its end, Trudeau warned of potential economic retaliation. “We need to be ready to respond robustly,” he said. Business leaders are also pushing for market diversification to reduce economic reliance on the US.
Trump doubles down
During the interview, Trump also defended Elon Musk’s department of government efficiency (DOGE), stating Musk has been “terrific” in his mission to dismantle government agencies and cut federal workforce inefficiencies. He further hinted that the department of education and military spending could be targeted next.
"We're going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse," Trump claimed.
Trump also used the interview to announce upcoming tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, including from Canada and Mexico and previewed a plan for reciprocal tariffs.
While en route to the Super Bowl, Trump signed a proclamation renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."
