Trump Mocks Canada, Saying It Could Become America's 51st State

In a series of posts shared Tuesday evening on Truth Social, Donald Trump mocked Canada by posting maps that depicted the country as already part of the United States.

One map showed only the US and Canada, labeled simply as "United States," while another displayed both countries in the colors of the US flag with the caption, "Oh Canada!"

On Monday, Trump claimed that "many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," adding that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would soon resign, believing the country could not "stay afloat" without US subsidies. Trump suggested that merging with the US would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and secure Canada from threats posed by Russian and Chinese ships.

Canadian officials swiftly responded. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "President-elect Trump's comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country." She emphasized Canada's robust economy and the strength of its people.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also hit back, humorously counteroffering, "How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?" Ford added that under his leadership, "that will never ever happen."

While Trump has made similar comments about other territories, such as Greenland and the Panama Canal, the possibility of Canada joining the US remains highly unlikely.

Speaking to reporters less than two weeks before he takes office on Jan. 20 and as a delegation of aides and advisers that includes Donald Trump Jr. is in Greenland, Trump left open the use of the American military to secure both territories. Trump’s intention marks a rejection of decades of US policy that has prioritized self-determination over territorial expansion.

“I’m not going to commit to that,” Trump said, when asked if he would rule out the use of the military. “It might be that you’ll have to do something. The Panama Canal is vital to our country.” He added, “We need Greenland for national security purposes.”

Greenland, home to a large US military base, is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a longtime US ally and a founding member of NATO. Trump cast doubts on the legitimacy of Denmark’s claim to Greenland.

The Panama Canal has been solely controlled by the eponymous country for more than 25 years. The U.S. returned the Panama Canal Zone to the country in 1979 and ended its joint partnership in controlling the strategic waterway in 1999.

Trump's escalating rhetoric could signal potential tensions in its relations, especially as his trade policies gain traction.