Summary
Donald Trump suggested Canada could become the U.S.’s “51st state,” claiming it would benefit Canadians through lower taxes and military protection.
The remark follows tensions over Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, which shocked Canadian leaders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who likened it to betrayal.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the annexation talk as unserious but unveiled a $1 billion border security plan to address U.S. concerns.
The escalating rhetoric, including insults from Trump ally Elon Musk, highlights strained Canada-U.S. relations ahead of Trump’s second term.
I think this is one of those “arch conservative” of one country turns out to be left of center in the US.
Not really. When people say that, they tend to be focused on healthcare. Which is fair, because US healthcare is barbaric. However, when you open it up to other issues–gay marriage, trans rights, anti-racisim–suddenly the US doesn’t look so far to the right. At least, not in terms of public opinion vs what its government actually does.