As Canadians Vote, Trump Revives Call for a 'Cherished 51st State' in Bold Election Message
April 28, 2025 — As Canadians head to the polls, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by urging Canada to join the United States as its "cherished 51st state." Posting on his social media platform Truth Social early Monday, Trump sent a provocative message encouraging Canadians to embrace U.S. statehood for economic and military benefits.
"Good luck to the great people of Canada," Trump wrote. "Elect the leader who will slash your taxes in half, boost your military strength to the world’s highest level—at no cost—and expand your industries like automotive, steel, aluminum, lumber, and energy, with zero tariffs or taxes, if Canada becomes the 51st state of the United States of America."
Trump further criticized the existence of the U.S.-Canada border, describing it as an "artificial line drawn many years ago," and argued that free access without border restrictions would be a natural evolution. "It was meant to be! America can no longer afford to subsidize Canada with hundreds of billions of dollars a year. It only makes sense if Canada joins as a state," he insisted.
Why Trump's Statement Matters
This call for annexation comes during a critical moment in Canada's election, which has been heavily influenced by strained U.S.-Canada relations. Trump's previous imposition of aggressive tariffs and remarks on Canadian sovereignty have dominated political discourse.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party, after trailing behind Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party for much of the past year, is now showing strong momentum. Betting markets like Polymarket forecast Carney has an over 80% chance of securing reelection, largely thanks to his firm stance against Trump's rhetoric and protection of Canadian sovereignty.
Trump's Candidate of Choice Remains Unclear
Trump did not specify which Canadian political leader he was endorsing. Both Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre have firmly rejected the idea of Canada becoming a U.S. state.
Carney has campaigned on a pragmatic platform titled "spend less, invest more," proposing a slight reduction in the lowest tax bracket and promising increased defense spending. Meanwhile, Poilievre advocates for a 15% income tax cut and greater military investment. However, neither leader’s promises align with Trump’s dramatic claims of halving taxes and receiving a "free" military upgrade.
This is not Trump's first controversial comment regarding Canada's status. In March, he referred to the U.S.-Canada border as "an artificial map, drawn by some guy with a ruler," suggesting it could simply be erased to incorporate Canada into the United States.
Despite past tensions, Trump also claimed he had a "very productive" phone call with Prime Minister Carney following Justin Trudeau’s departure, stating that both sides agreed to cooperate on political and economic initiatives after the Canadian election.
Reaction from Canadian Leaders
Final Thoughts
Trump’s repeated comments are adding an unexpected twist to Canada’s election narrative, sparking renewed conversations about national identity, sovereignty, and the future of U.S.-Canada relations. Whether Trump's remarks will influence the outcome remains to be seen, but they have certainly intensified the stakes as Canadians make their choice at the ballot box.