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.
Scene: Canadian armies are moving down into Oregon and Washington
Everyone in OR and WA: “no, please, don’t conquer us, anything but that! Oh hey, what do you know, we all seemed to have forgotten where we put all our guns. Guess we’re defenseless. Oh well.”