Trudeau thinks he’s funny.
During a visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida last November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and then-President-elect Donald Trump briefly touched on the idea of making Canada the “51st state.” In an interview with MSNBC’s Jen Psaki, Trudeau revealed that the conversation had lightheartedly turned toward the possibility of Canada joining the United States, with Trump humorously suggesting a “trade” involving Vermont or California in exchange for Canada’s entry.
However, the tone shifted quickly when Trudeau began to take the idea further, causing Trump to lose interest in the discussion. “It wasn’t something he found particularly amusing after a while,” Trudeau recalled, before the two moved on to more serious topics. This exchange underscored the dynamic between the two leaders, with Trump often known for his bold and unconventional remarks.
Trump’s jabs at Canada’s relationship with the U.S. have been frequent, particularly surrounding trade and economic policies. While Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister marks the end of an era, Trump’s comments about integrating Canada into the U.S. have raised eyebrows in the past, seen in part as a way to pressure Canada on trade agreements. Trump’s tough stance on tariffs and trade negotiations was a recurring theme during his presidency, and many Republicans view it as a necessary strategy to secure better deals for American workers.
Trudeau, in his interview, suggested that if Trump were to follow through with implementing tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada would respond “robustly.” He warned that such tariffs could have a significant negative impact on American consumers, raising the prices of everyday goods. For conservatives, this type of economic rhetoric may resonate, as they often advocate for tough negotiations and putting America’s economic interests first.
Beyond trade, Trump also raised eyebrows with discussions about purchasing Greenland and regaining control of the Panama Canal—issues that he framed as vital for U.S. national security. While some might view these ideas as eccentric, others, particularly within the GOP, may see them as part of a larger vision to secure American strategic interests and economic dominance globally.
In a time of shifting global alliances and rising economic tensions, the idea of strengthening America’s position through unconventional means, whether through tariffs, strategic acquisitions, or tough negotiations, remains a popular talking point among many conservative voices. For Republicans, Trump’s tough stance on Canada and other global matters aligns with a broader vision of an America that is assertive and uncompromising on the world stage.