Democrats are losing their minds.
A New York State Senator’s recent suggestion that her state and its liberal neighbors should secede from the United States and join Canada has sparked significant controversy. Liz Krueger, a prominent Democrat and chair of the New York State Senate Finance Committee, proposed that New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont could form a new “province” in Canada to escape the policies of President-elect Donald Trump.
Krueger, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump, argued that states like New York, which are home to large liberal and sanctuary city populations, would face devastating cuts to federal funding under his administration. These cuts could be the result of Trump’s stated policies on immigration and his proposed crackdown on sanctuary cities, which may lose access to federal funds if they refuse to cooperate with federal immigration laws. In her view, these cuts could severely harm her state’s budget, leading her to float the idea of joining Canada as a potential solution.
In an interview with City and State New York, Krueger elaborated on her proposal, saying, “Instead of us all trying to illegally cross the border at night, Canada should just let us become a new province, the southeast province of Canada.” She claimed that New York and its neighboring states would align well with Canada’s political culture, particularly given their progressive leanings.
Krueger’s comments have drawn significant backlash, even from within her own party. Democratic leaders have expressed concern over the implications of her radical idea. Meanwhile, many Republicans have seized on the remarks as an example of the extreme measures some on the left are willing to entertain in their opposition to Trump’s policies.
Despite the attention her proposal has garnered, it is highly unlikely to gain traction, given the challenges of secession and the staunch opposition of Republicans in Congress. Krueger’s suggestion also overlooks the complexities of withdrawing from the U.S. and the broader political and economic consequences such a move would entail.
For many Americans, particularly in conservative-leaning states, Krueger’s rhetoric is seen as emblematic of the growing divide between the left and right in the country. While her proposal may be viewed as little more than political theater, it raises questions about the future of federalism, the role of state versus federal power, and the deepening political polarization that defines American politics today.