In a surprising Super Bowl pregame interview that aired Sunday, former President Donald Trump doubled down on his controversial stance about Canada, declaring he’s serious about making it the 51st state, reported AP News.
“Yeah, it is,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier when asked if his comments about annexing Canada were more than just talk. The remarks come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently raised concerns about Trump’s intentions.
“Canada would be much better off as the 51st state,” Trump asserted. “We lose 200 billion a year with Canada, and I’m not going to let that happen. Why are we paying 200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”
However, Trump’s claim that the U.S. is subsidising Canada is misleading. The U.S. imports a significant amount of goods from its northern neighbor, particularly natural resources like oil. While the trade deficit in goods reached $72 billion in 2023, this gap largely reflects America’s reliance on Canadian energy exports rather than any form of subsidy.
The comments have sparked both amusement and concern, with many questioning the feasibility—and legality—of such a proposal. As the 2024 election looms, Trump’s bold statements continue to dominate headlines, leaving Canadians and Americans alike wondering what’s next.
