Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his belief that Canada would be “better off” as the 51st U.S. state, citing economic and trade concerns. His remarks came during an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, which aired during the Super Bowl pregame show.
According to Fox News, Trump argued that the U.S. loses $200 billion annually in trade with Canada, calling it “essentially a subsidy.” However, while the U.S. does not directly subsidize Canada, the trade deficit between the two countries—driven largely by American imports of Canadian energy—reached $72 billion in 2023.
Trump has previously floated the idea of annexing Canada, an idea that remains deeply unpopular among Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the issue last week in a closed-door meeting with business and labor leaders, as reported by CBC News. He warned that Trump’s remarks were not just rhetoric but part of a real interest in Canada’s natural resources. “Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country,” Trudeau stated.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump intensified his stance, claiming that Canada is economically dependent on the U.S. and should no longer assume military protection. “They don’t pay very much for military… and that’s not an assumption they can make,” he said.
Trump also confirmed that he will impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. This follows his recent decision to grant a temporary 30-day pause on broader tariffs after discussions with both countries.
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