Fact Check: Trump Suggests Canada Could Become the 51st US State
What We Know
Former President Donald Trump has made several remarks suggesting that Canada could potentially become the 51st state of the United States. According to a report by the Associated Press, Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada should be the 51st U.S. state, proposing the idea as a way to eliminate the long border separating the two countries. He has expressed that if "people wanted to play the game right, it would be 100% certain that they’d become a state" (source-1).
Trump's comments have drawn significant attention and skepticism from Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who initially thought Trump was joking when he referred to Canada as the 51st state. However, Trudeau later indicated that Trump’s comments might not be mere jokes, suggesting they could represent a serious proposition (source-2).
The legal process for admitting a new state to the U.S. is complex and requires approval from Congress, which includes a majority in the House and a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster (source-1). The likelihood of Canada becoming a state is extremely low, as there has been no significant movement or interest from Canadian leaders or the public towards such a change.
Analysis
Trump's suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state has been met with ridicule and disbelief, particularly from Canadian officials. Trudeau's comments reflect a broader sentiment in Canada that the idea is unrealistic and not taken seriously by most Canadians (source-1). Furthermore, the constitutional hurdles for statehood are significant, requiring not just U.S. Congressional approval but also likely a referendum in Canada, which is almost certainly a "non-starter" given the lack of interest from Canadian leaders (source-1).
The sources reporting on Trump's comments are reputable, with the Associated Press and The New York Times being well-established news organizations. However, the context in which Trump makes these remarks—often during heated political discussions or in response to trade disputes—may suggest a tendency to exaggerate or provoke reactions rather than propose serious policy changes (source-2).
Moreover, Trump's past comments about Canada and its economy, including his use of tariffs and trade negotiations, indicate a confrontational approach that could be interpreted as a strategy to undermine Canadian sovereignty (source-2). This context raises questions about the sincerity of his remarks regarding Canada becoming a state.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump suggested Canada could become the 51st U.S. state is True. Trump has made multiple statements indicating that he believes Canada should join the U.S. as a state. However, the practicality of such a proposal is highly questionable, given the legal, political, and social barriers involved. The overwhelming consensus among Canadian leaders is that this idea is not feasible or desirable.
