In recent weeks, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited one of his favorite provocative talking points: the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States. What started as a seemingly off-hand joke directed at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has snowballed into a recurring narrative in Trump’s public statements and social media posts. But how feasible is this idea? Who supports it, who opposes it, and could it ever actually happen?
The Background: A Provocative Joke Turned Talking Point
Trump’s remarks began during a November dinner with Prime Minister Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago. Facing backlash over threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, Trump suggested—perhaps jokingly—that Canada could avoid such economic punishment by simply joining the U.S. as its 51st state. However, Trump continued to reference the idea on social media, claiming, “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State… I think it is a great idea.” While initially brushed off as trolling, Trump’s repeated mentions have sparked conversations among politicians, commentators, and everyday citizens.
The joke took a sharper edge when Trump posted on Truth Social: “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection.” Such statements, whether taken seriously or not, highlight the complex economic and political ties between the two nations.
Supporters of the Idea: A Small but Vocal Minority
Surprisingly, a handful of voices have entertained the idea—though mostly for tongue-in-cheek or strategic reasons. Senator Bernie Sanders quipped that he’d support the idea if it meant the U.S. would adopt Canada’s universal healthcare system. In a social media post, Sanders wrote, “Trump has suggested that Canada become the 51st state in our union. Does that mean we can adopt the Canadian health care system and guarantee health care to all, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and spend 50% less per capita on health care? I’m all for it.”
Some analysts point out that economically, the two nations are already deeply intertwined. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States, with over 75% of Canadian exports heading south of the border. Thousands of people cross the U.S.-Canada border daily for work, education, and tourism. Supporters argue that a political merger could theoretically streamline cooperation on trade, immigration, and defense.
Additionally, Canada is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, much of which is already exported to the U.S. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized this when she stated, “The reason for Ottawa’s trade deficit with the United States is because Canada sends billions of dollars in raw materials to the United States, generating enormous wealth for Washington and creating millions of U.S. jobs.”
However, even among those exploring these theoretical benefits, the suggestion is seen as far-fetched.
Opposition: Political, Legal, and Cultural Barriers
On the other side of the debate, opposition to the idea is overwhelming, both in Canada and the United States. A recent Leger poll revealed that only 13% of Canadians support the notion, while 82% oppose it outright.
Gregory Tardi, a constitutional law expert who served as legal counsel to Elections Canada, explained why such a union is practically impossible. According to him, any constitutional change of this magnitude would require unanimous consent from Canada’s Senate, House of Commons, and all ten provincial legislatures under Section 41 of the Constitution Act of 1982.
“It seems to me that if either Canada as a whole, or some portions of it, would want to join the United States, they would have to go through Section 41 of the Constitution Act of 1982. Which means that consent would have to be given by the Senate, the House, and the legislatures of all 10 provinces,” Tardi said.
Even if Canada navigated these challenges, the U.S. Constitution’s Article IV, Section 3 requires Congressional approval for admitting a new state. Given the deep partisan divides in Congress, experts agree that this would be politically insurmountable.
Beyond legal hurdles, cultural differences play a significant role. Canadians value their national identity, universal healthcare, and parliamentary democracy. These are core aspects of Canadian life that many fear would be jeopardized under U.S. governance. As one Canadian commentator put it, “We didn’t fight so hard to keep our independence from Britain only to hand it over to Washington.”
Historical Precedents: Annexations and Purchases
Historically, the U.S. has added new states through annexation, purchase, or conquest. Texas was annexed in 1845 after briefly existing as an independent republic. Hawaii became a state in 1959 following a referendum and Congressional approval. However, Canada’s status as an independent, prosperous nation with its own distinct identity makes it a vastly different case.
There was even a historical precedent for the U.S. inviting Canada to join. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress extended an offer for Canadian territories to join the U.S. When Canada declined, American forces invaded—an effort that ultimately failed.
Likelihood of Momentum: Slim to None
Experts on both sides of the border agree: this is not going to happen. The political, legal, and cultural obstacles make Canadian statehood a non-starter. Furthermore, Trump’s comments appear to be more about political theater and rallying his base than presenting a serious policy proposal.
Even in the unlikely event of significant Canadian public support for such a union, the legislative and constitutional requirements remain daunting. More realistic, perhaps, would be enhanced bilateral agreements on trade, security, and immigration—goals that could address many of Trump’s concerns without upending two sovereign nations.
Just a Talking Point, Not a Plan
Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state is, at best, a political provocation designed to stir controversy and, at worst, a distraction from more pressing U.S.-Canada policy issues. While it’s made for lively debate on social media and in political circles, the idea holds little water in the real world.
For now, Canada will remain Canada, and the United States will remain its closest ally and largest trading partner. The conversation, however, serves as a reminder of the deep ties—and occasional tensions—between the two nations.
