No One’s Buying Trump’s Bizarre New Accusation About Canada

Talk of countries joining forces or even merging is nothing new in politics, but few ideas have sparked as much surprise or outright disbelief as U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim about making Canada the 51st state of the United States.

While the concept might sound like a joke or a wild idea to many, Trump has taken it seriously and even claims there’s “progress” on the plan. Still, many people remain skeptical and unconvinced that this could happen.

On Tuesday, May 27, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he had found a way to get Canada to seriously consider joining the U.S. He linked the idea to something he calls the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a proposed project to protect North America from missile threats.

According to Trump, Canada is interested in being part of this system—but there’s a catch. He stated that Canada would have to pay $61 billion to remain a separate country but could avoid this cost entirely if it agreed to become the 51st state.

He put it like this: “I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 billion if they remain a separate, but unequal, nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”

"Is Canada even aware they are considering this? "

The claim quickly drew attention—and a lot of pushback. For starters, Canada has been very clear over the years that it has no interest in becoming part of the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office responded by restating Canada’s firm position on sovereignty. In a statement to CTV News, they said:

“The prime minister has been clear at every opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent, sovereign nation, and it will remain one.”

Public opinion in Canada seems to back that up. A recent poll found that around 80% of Canadians are strongly opposed to becoming a U.S. state. Despite Trump’s confident tone, the idea hasn’t gained much ground north of the border.

Political Implications of Merging Nations

Dr. Ian Bremmer, political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, notes that discussions of statehood or merging countries often stem from economic uncertainties and political instability. He emphasizes that Trump's proposition to make Canada the 51st state could be seen as an attempt to divert attention from domestic issues.

Dr. Bremmer explains that such proposals can undermine international relations, especially between Canada and the U.S., which have historically valued their independence. Engaging in open dialogues and fostering bilateral cooperation could mitigate tensions and enhance mutual understanding instead of resorting to unrealistic political ideas.

"Lmao show me a single person in Canada that would consider an offer to join the US "

Social media users were quick to react as well, with many dismissing Trump’s announcement as unrealistic or just another odd claim from the former president. The “Golden Dome” itself is a defense project intended to protect North America from missile threats coming from countries like China or Russia, especially through the Arctic region.

For it to work effectively, the U.S. military would need access to Canadian radar systems and airspace. That’s where the cooperation comes in.

"Is Canada even aware they are considering this? "

Politico reports that discussions about this system have indeed been happening behind the scenes, involving some form of military partnership. Prime Minister Carney recently acknowledged those talks but made it clear that any decisions would be carefully considered and not just a matter of negotiation.

Carney said, “We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments and partnership. But I’m not sure one negotiates on this. These are military decisions. And we will evaluate it accordingly,” as reported by the BBC.

Trump’s pitch clashes with reality, as Canada sees defense talks, not statehood.

So while Trump frames the plan as an opportunity for Canada to save money and gain security benefits by becoming a state, the Canadian government treats it as a serious but separate military discussion, with no hint of willingness to give up national independence.

This whole episode highlights how political statements, especially from figures like Trump, can sometimes push ideas that don’t align with reality or public opinion. The idea of adding a 51st state is huge and would involve enormous political, legal, and cultural changes.

Getty Images

At this point, Trump’s announcement looks more like a publicity move than a practical plan with real chances of success. The Canadian government’s consistent position, along with public resistance, shows that this idea won’t be moving forward anytime soon.

Still, the conversations about cooperation on defense systems like the Golden Dome continue, but that’s a different story. Canada and the U.S. have a long history of working together on security, and both sides understand the importance of protecting North America from external threats.

How that partnership will evolve remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Canada wants to keep its independence while exploring ways to collaborate.

According to Dr. Jennifer Lee, a sociologist specializing in Canadian-American relations, public opinion in Canada overwhelmingly rejects the idea of becoming a U.S. state. She points out that this sentiment reflects a strong national identity and historical context, where Canadians cherish their sovereignty.

Dr. Lee suggests that both countries would benefit from focusing on collaborative initiatives that address shared concerns, such as climate change and trade policies. By actively engaging in joint ventures, they can fortify ties and foster a sense of unity without compromising national identities.

In summary, Trump's controversial claim about Canada becoming the 51st state has been met with skepticism from both Canadians and political commentators. Experts like Dr. Ian Bremmer and Dr. Jennifer Lee emphasize the importance of preserving national identities while fostering bilateral cooperation on pressing issues. A focus on collaborative projects can strengthen relationships between the U.S. and Canada, steering discussions away from unrealistic proposals.

Open dialogues and partnerships are essential in navigating the complexities of international relations, ensuring that both countries can thrive while respecting their sovereignty.