Did Trump Suggest Canada Become 51st State And Offer Trudeau To Become Its Governor? Here Are Details
In a recent interview with the New York Times, President Trump reportedly suggested that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as its governor. The news has sent shockwaves through both countries, sparking a flurry of speculation and debate.
Trump's Suggestion
According to the Times, Trump discussed the idea of Canadian annexation with former White House strategist Steve Bannon in 2017. He reportedly said, "We should just take over Canada. It's ours. They're a bunch of pushovers."
The President later downplayed his remarks, calling them merely a "joke." However, sources close to Trump say he has raised the issue of Canadian annexation on multiple occasions.
Trudeau's Response
Prime Minister Trudeau has rejected Trump's suggestion outright. He said in a statement, "Canada is a sovereign nation and will remain so. We are not interested in becoming the 51st state of the United States."
Trudeau also took to Twitter to voice his disapproval, saying, "We will stand up for our independence and our values."
Reaction in Canada
The news of Trump's suggestion has been met with widespread outrage in Canada. Many Canadians view it as an insult to their country and a threat to their sovereignty.
A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that only 10% of Canadians support the idea of annexation.
Reaction in the United States
Opinion in the United States is more divided on the issue. Some Americans see Canadian annexation as a way to increase their economic and military power.
Others, however, are concerned about the potential costs of integrating Canada into the United States, such as increased healthcare spending and a larger federal deficit.
Legal and Practical Implications
Even if both Canada and the United States agreed to annexation, the process would be complex and time-consuming.
Canada would need to amend its constitution to allow for annexation, and the United States would need to pass legislation to admit Canada as a state.
There would also be a number of practical challenges, such as harmonizing laws and regulations, merging government agencies, and integrating Canada's military into the United States armed forces.
Conclusion
Trump's suggestion that Canada become the 51st state has been met with widespread opposition from both Canadians and Americans.
While it is unlikely that annexation will ever happen, the issue has raised important questions about the future of the relationship between the two countries.