President-elect Donald Trump reportedly joked to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state if trade tariffs prove too challenging. The comments were made during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago last Friday, according to multiple reports.
Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports unless both nations take stronger action to stem illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S. During the discussion, Trudeau allegedly urged Trump to reconsider the tariff. In response, Trump joked, “If Canada can’t handle the tariffs, maybe it should become the 51st state,” even suggesting that Trudeau could serve as the state’s governor.
Trudeau reportedly laughed nervously at the remarks, with Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc later confirming the comments were intended as lighthearted banter. “The president was telling jokes and teasing us,” LeBlanc said, adding that the dinner discussions on trade and border security were ultimately productive.
The joke extended to social media when Trump shared a photo on Tuesday of himself next to a Canadian flag with the caption “Oh Canada!” The image featured Trump standing on a cliff overlooking a mountain, which turned out to be the Matterhorn in Europe.
Sources noted that Trump’s remarks included the suggestion of splitting Canada into two states—one liberal and one conservative. Trudeau shared a photo with Trump after the dinner, thanking him and expressing optimism for their future collaboration.
Former Trudeau adviser Gerald Butts downplayed the remarks, stating that Trump often used the “51st state” joke during his first term as president to provoke a reaction. Butts advised Canadians not to overreact, emphasizing that the comments were not meant seriously.
The exchange highlights Trump’s tough rhetoric on trade and his ongoing push for stricter border controls. Canada is reportedly finalizing plans to strengthen its border security ahead of Trump’s inauguration, although specific measures have not been disclosed.
