Bernie Sanders supports Trump's 'Canada as 51st state' idea, but with a major condition

Senator Bernie Sanders has responded to Donald Trump's controversial suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States – but with one key caveat.

The progressive Independent senator made his stance clear on social media, expressing his support for the idea, but only if the U.S. adopts Canada's universal healthcare system.

On Tuesday, Sanders addressed the idea after Fox News reported that Trump had floated the possibility of Canada joining the U.S. during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago. Sanders took to X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Trump has suggested that Canada become the 51st state in our union."

He then added, “Does that mean that we can adopt the Canadian health care system and guarantee health care to all, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and spend 50% less per capita on health care?" Sanders concluded, “I'm all for it.”

The discussion about Canada potentially joining the U.S. began after President-elect Trump reportedly told Prime Minister Trudeau that if Canada could not handle his proposed 25 percent tariffs, the country might have to consider becoming a U.S. state. 

The suggestion came as Trump continued his hard-line approach on immigration and trade, threatening tariffs unless the Canadian government could stop the flow of illegal immigration and drugs across the border.

"That's when Trump told the prime minister if the country can't survive ripping off the U.S., perhaps Canada could become the 51st state," according to Fox's sources. 

Trudeau and others at the meeting reportedly responded to the remark with nervous laughter.

While Trump’s comment was initially met with amusement, Sanders’ response signals a more serious perspective on the potential for Canada to join the U.S. Sanders, known for his strong advocacy of universal healthcare, is particularly interested in Canada’s health system, which provides affordable healthcare to all citizens through taxes. 

Sanders has frequently cited the differences in healthcare costs between Canada and the U.S., with many Americans traveling to Canada to obtain cheaper prescription drugs.

While Trump may be joking about the possibility of Canada becoming a U.S. state, he has also made other remarks about dividing Canada into two states, depending on its political leanings. "If [Canada] can't handle the pressure, maybe we can have a conservative state and a liberal state," he allegedly told Trudeau.

Trump has also used social media to further taunt Canada, posting a computer-generated image of himself standing next to a Canadian flag with the caption, “Oh Canada!”

Though the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state may seem far-fetched, Sanders’ support for universal healthcare remains unwavering.