Shark Tank Star Says Canadians Are Happily Eyeing A Spot As America’s 51st State

Kevin O’Leary, the Shark Tank guy with a talent for turning chaos into a pitch deck, just threw out a headline so wild it feels like a late-night rumor. In a Fox Business interview, he talked up the idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state, and he made it sound less like a joke and more like a business plan.

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Here’s what makes it complicated: O’Leary’s vision is not just “merge the two countries,” it’s “merge the perks.” He points to Canada’s energy and water as the U.S. upgrade, then flips it back with promises of slashed taxes, stronger military protection, a shared currency, uniform tax systems, and trade rules that would look a lot like the EU. Even the EU-like passport gets pulled into the fantasy.

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And then he drops the real plot twist, he claims “most” Canadians would be open to it, especially with Trudeau’s political situation looking shaky.

The Canadian businessman claimed that Trump’s proposal would have millions of supporters rallying behind it.

The Canadian businessman claimed that Trump’s proposal would have millions of supporters rallying behind it.Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
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O’Leary’s pitch gets extra spicy when he frames Canada’s resources, energy and water, as the bargaining chips that would “bolster” the U.S.</p>

Kevin O’Leary shared his thoughts on a hypothetical Canada-U.S. union during an interview with Fox Business. The 70-year-old entrepreneur described Trump’s proposal as an intriguing possibility, citing the potential for a “powerful” economic collaboration.

O’Leary pointed to Canada’s abundant natural resources—particularly energy and water—as assets that would bolster the U.S., while Canadians, in turn, would benefit from slashed taxes and stronger military protection.

O’Leary painted a vivid picture: a shared currency, uniform tax systems, and fair trade policies reminiscent of the European Union. Even the concept of an “EU-like passport” made its way into his vision. “Erasing the border” between the two nations, he argued, would create an economic juggernaut extending all the way to the Arctic.

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Social scientists point out that discussions around Canada becoming the 51st state often overlook cultural nuances.

The businessman envisioned a dynamic partnership where both nations could thrive through a mutually rewarding economic alliance.

The businessman envisioned a dynamic partnership where both nations could thrive through a mutually rewarding economic alliance.Getty Images

The whole idea starts to feel less theoretical when he lays out the “erase the border” fantasy, shared currency and all, like it’s just an upgrade button.</p>

And for family drama, this is like the sister-in-law baby shower where someone announced her pregnancy anyway.

But the buzzworthy twist came when O’Leary claimed that “most” Canadians would be open to the idea—or at least to hearing more about it. With a population comparable to that of California, he speculated that nearly half of his compatriots would support such a move.

His critique of Canada’s Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added fuel to the fire, describing the administration as “collapsing” and unfit to lead any potential negotiations.

The timing, O’Leary suggested, might be ideal, as Trudeau’s political future appears shaky ahead of the next election cycle. O’Leary even hinted at taking the reins of this hypothetical narrative himself, declaring he’d head to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to “start the narrative.”

In November, Trudeau and Trump sat down to discuss trade.

In November, Trudeau and Trump sat down to discuss trade.Justin Trudeau/Twitter

That’s when the politics crash the party, because O’Leary calls Trudeau’s Liberal government “collapsing” and links the timing to the next election.</p>

Economic Perspectives

Any discussion about potential statehood for Canada must consider the economic implications for both nations.

And just to make it stick, he even says he’d go to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago to “start the narrative,” turning a union concept into a mission.</p>

Love it or hate it, the idea of Canada joining the U.S. is like maple syrup on a burger—wildly unconventional but oddly intriguing.

Whether it’s just holiday banter or the start of something big, one thing’s for sure: this debate has given everyone plenty to chew on well into the new year!

The prospect of Canada joining the United States as its 51st state is an intriguing contemplation that merges economics, culture, and national identity. The article paints a vivid picture of the potential for a shared existence, where Canadians and Americans could seamlessly share their culinary delights and experiences without the barriers of borders. This idea transcends mere logistics; it underscores the necessity of understanding and respecting the values that both nations hold dear.

Although this notion may initially appear to be lighthearted, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of collaboration and dialogue in our increasingly interconnected world. By fostering cultural exchanges and connections, we may find pathways to stronger relationships that can thrive beyond political divisions, ultimately enriching the fabric of both nations.

If this “Canada as 51st state” talk turns into a real storyline, Trudeau might not be the only one sweating the next election cycle.

Want workplace chaos too, read what happened when a coworker stole office lunches and HR got involved.

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