Trump's '51st US state' remark about Canada sparks backlash

US President-elect's comment comes amid political instability in Canada, following the resignation of its Deputy PM

US President-elect Donald Trump ignited controversy on Wednesday by proposing that Canada should become the 51st US state, calling it "a great idea." In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that “many Canadians” supported the idea, citing potential tax savings and military protection.

"Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State," Trump wrote. "They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!"

This is not the first time Trump has joked about merging the two countries but the recent comment comes amid growing political instability in Canada, with the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland earlier this week, which has deepened the nation's political crisis.

While some have dismissed Trump’s remarks as a joke, others have criticised the comments as inappropriate.

A public opinion poll conducted by market research firm Leger this week found that 13% of Canadians supported the idea of joining the US, though many see the notion as far-fetched.

Trump had previously made similar remarks during a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate in late November.

According to reports, the suggestion prompted laughter at the time, but it has since drawn sharp reactions in Canada, particularly in light of the political uncertainty surrounding Freeland’s resignation.

In addition to his remarks on Truth Social, Trump has repeatedly referred to Trudeau as the "governor of Canada" in social media posts, a title typically reserved for US state leaders.

These jabs have raised concerns in Ottawa, with critics accusing Trump of making light of the serious political situation in Canada.

The controversy surrounding Trump’s comments has intensified following Freeland’s resignation, which was linked to disagreements between her and Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s tariff threats and a looming trade war between the two nations.

The US is Canada's largest trading partner, with more than 75 percent of Canadian exports going to the US, and nearly two million Canadian jobs dependent on trade.

Freeland’s departure has been seen as a significant blow to Trudeau, marking the first instance of public dissent within his cabinet and further emboldening critics of his leadership