In a recent interview aired during the Super Bowl preshow, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on Canada becoming the 51st state, calling the idea a “real thing.”
“Yeah it is,” Trump confirmed when Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier asked if his talk of annexing Canada was serious. “I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” he added. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”
Trump’s statement contrasts with facts surrounding U.S.-Canada trade. While the U.S. imports oil and other commodities from Canada, creating a trade deficit, the assertion that the U.S. is subsidizing its neighbor remains debatable.
Trudeau Responds To Trump’s Claims
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently addressed Trump’s annexation remarks. Trudeau warned that Trump’s goal could be tied to a desire for access to Canada’s natural resources, something Trump has long highlighted.
“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing,” Trudeau said during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders. “They’re very aware of our resources… and they very much want to be able to benefit from those.”
Trump’s Military, Trade Criticisms Of Canada
On Air Force One, Trump continued to challenge Canada’s viability as an independent nation. He argued that the U.S. no longer needed to protect Canada militarily, stating, “They don’t pay very much for military. And the reason they don’t pay much is they assume that we’re going to protect them.”
Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, particularly targeting steel and aluminum, if Canada and Mexico fail to meet his demands regarding trade and border security. He insisted, “Something has to happen. It’s not sustainable. And I’m changing it.”
Trade Tariffs, Reciprocal Measures
Trump’s trade concerns also extended to tariffs. Last week, he agreed to a 30-day delay on proposed tariffs against Canada and Mexico after they took steps to address his concerns about border security. Trump now plans to announce a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from these countries and introduce reciprocal tariffs later this week. “Very simply it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he explained.
Trump’s Super Bowl Tradition
Trump’s appearance during the Super Bowl preshow marked a return to a tradition where U.S. presidents speak with the network broadcasting the game. Both Trump and Biden, however, have been inconsistent in participating. Trump appeared for three out of four years during his term, while Biden declined interviews in 2023 and 2024.
