Ahead of the upcoming federal elections, Canadians are gearing up to make their voices heard. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed President Donald Trump’s provocative comments regarding the notion of Canada potentially becoming the “51st state.”
During an April 27 interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker pressed Rubio on the State Department’s response to Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada. “Is there any action being taken in light of that?” she asked.
Rubio elaborated, “The President frequently references a conversation he had with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where Trudeau supposedly indicated that Canada could struggle without relying on unfair trade practices with the U.S. In response, Trump speculated that if Canada cannot thrive independently without such trade, perhaps statehood should be considered.”
When asked if the U.S. still entertains the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, Rubio replied, “The President has always maintained that Canada would be better off as a state.”
Rubio’s statements come in the wake of a heated exchange between Trump and Trudeau concerning the economic strain caused by Trump’s tariffs. In retaliation, Canada has imposed a 25% tariff on select U.S. imports.
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Trump has consistently hinted at the idea of Canada joining the U.S., indicating in February that if Trudeau could provide solutions to tariff issues, he wouldn’t have to worry about tariffs as a state.
“My vision is for Canada to become our 51st state,” Trump stated. “If everything were handled correctly, it would be a certainty.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has also responded to Trump’s recurring commentary about annexation. He mentioned that Trump brought this issue up during a phone call in March. At a campaign event, Carney asserted, “Let me be clear; I’ve communicated to everyone, including the President, that this will never happen.”
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In an April 22 interview with TIME, Trump reiterated his position, claiming he was “not joking” about the concept of Canada as the 51st state, contending that the U.S. does not rely on Canada.
“We support their military and oversee various facets of their economy. We don’t need them for automotive or lumber production; we can manage that independently. The best solution for both nations is for Canada to become a state,” Trump remarked.
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Trudeau, who has announced his plan to step down as head of Canada’s Liberal Party in January, has previously urged lawmakers and business leaders to take the annexation threat seriously. At a Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto, he suggested that Trump might be interested in Canada’s rich mineral resources. “Trump appears to think that the easiest way to access those resources is through annexation, which is a legitimate concern,” he stated.
Rubio’s latest comments come just a day before Canada’s federal election on April 28, which could bring in a new leader to negotiate with the U.S. regarding tariffs. The ongoing narrative surrounding Trump has significantly influenced the Canadian elections, with the Liberal Party harnessing a wave of national sentiment stemming from trade disputes. The new leader will have a vital role in shaping the future of Canada-U.S. relations.
“They’re about to elect a new leader. We will adapt to whoever takes charge in Canada,” Rubio commented. “While there are many opportunities for collaboration, we are dissatisfied with their treatment of us regarding trade, a sentiment the President has clearly conveyed to the former Prime Minister.”
