The ongoing tension between Donald Trump and Canada took an unexpected turn when Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested a counteroffer to Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. While Trump’s statements were initially seen as lighthearted, his comments have taken on a more serious tone in recent weeks.
Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement on Monday, Trump claimed credit for the decision, saying that people in Canada “love” the idea of becoming a U.S. state. This prompted Ford to make his own comments about acquiring U.S. territories.
“You know something, to the president I’ll make him a counteroffer; How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” Ford told reporters while discussing the situation, which includes potential U.S. tariffs and Trudeau’s resignation. Later, Ford clarified to CNN that his remarks were meant as a joke.
Canadian MP Charlie Angus rejected the idea outright, pointing to differences in the nations’ laws. Angus stated on X that Canada has rules preventing “sexual abusers” from becoming leaders, a clear reference to allegations against Trump. He added that Canada’s democratic system allows leaders to be replaced by Parliament, a system he suggested Americans might envy.
Tensions escalated after Trump’s late-November announcement of a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico. The decision was tied to concerns over the migrant crisis and fentanyl, sparking Trudeau to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago in an effort to avert the tariffs. During the meeting, Trump proposed that Canada could become a U.S. state to avoid the economic penalties.
Trump argued that Canada was contributing to U.S. financial losses and suggested the tariffs were necessary to address the issue. In response, Ford defended Canada and blamed China for causing economic problems through the import of cheap parts, which he claimed were funneled through Mexico and labeled as “Made in Mexico.”
“I’ve talked to so many governors and congresspeople and senators and never once did they say Canada is the problem,” Ford told CNN. He emphasized that a bilateral deal between Canada and the U.S. would be a better solution than imposing tariffs on Canadian goods.
Despite these criticisms, Trump reiterated his idea of merging Canada with the U.S. On Truth Social, he claimed, “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” and argued that a merger would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and provide security against threats from Russia and China. Trump also credited Trudeau’s resignation to these ongoing pressures, calling it an acknowledgment of Canada’s reliance on the U.S.
Eric Trump added fuel to the fire by sharing a photoshopped image of his father buying Canada on Amazon, along with Greenland and the Panama Canal—other territories Trump has joked about absorbing in the past.
Ford dismissed Trump’s proposals, calling them unrealistic. “I know he likes making these comments and he likes joking around. I take that seriously. He may be joking, but under my watch, that will never, ever happen,” Ford stated.
Meanwhile, Trudeau’s resignation has sparked debates within his Liberal Party over how to handle Trump’s return to power in a second term. Trudeau will remain in office until a new party leader is chosen.
The upcoming Canadian general election, set for the fall, shows a potential shift in power, with polls favoring the Conservative Party and its leader, Pierre Poilievre. Trump has expressed support for Poilievre, saying their views would align better than those of Trudeau. Poilievre credited Trump with Trudeau’s resignation, stating that many Canadians dissatisfied with the current leadership feel “relieved” by the announcement.
