Donald Trump has once again crossed the rhetorical border—this time declaring that he was “meant to be” the leader of Canada. In a surreal social media rant posted Monday on Truth Social, the former U.S. president suggested Canada only “makes sense” if it becomes the 51st U.S. state under his leadership.
The post, which reads more like political fan fiction than foreign policy, is the latest in Trump’s ongoing commentary on Canada’s national election. He painted a grand vision of a borderless North America, promising Canadians economic miracles, global military dominance, and—naturally—zero tariffs. All they have to do? Abandon their sovereignty and let him run the show.
“Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom… if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State of the United States of America,” Trump wrote, describing Canada’s independence as “an artificially drawn line from many years ago.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea. But the timing of this particular outburst—just as Canadians head to the polls in a closely watched federal election—has stirred sharp reactions north of the border.
Canada’s Election, Trump’s Timing
Canada is in the middle of a snap election triggered by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. The two main contenders—Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre—represent starkly different visions for the country’s future.
Carney, a respected economist and former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, has run on stability and competence. His campaign messaging paints him as a steady hand amid economic uncertainty and rising global tensions. Poilievre, meanwhile, has rallied supporters with promises of deep tax cuts, deregulation, and a tougher stance on foreign interference—especially from the U.S.
Trump’s comments, unsurprisingly, became political fuel for both camps. Carney has accused Trump of “trying to break” Canada through intimidation and economic bullying. Poilievre, while critical of Trump’s annexation rhetoric, has also used the former president’s interference to question Carney’s strength as a leader.
Canada… you know what to do.#ElbowsUpCanada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/qd7dt49kn7
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) April 28, 2025
A “Cherished” State or a Sovereign Nation?
Trump’s vision for Canada includes ditching its borders, boosting its economy fourfold, and building the world’s strongest military “for free”—a fantasy that has no basis in either economics or international law. It’s the same kind of hyperbole that once led him to suggest injecting disinfectant to fight COVID-19.
For many Canadians, the message is clear: thanks, but no thanks. Regardless of whether they support Carney, Poilievre, or scribble Wayne Gretzky’s name on the ballot, there seems to be little appetite for becoming part of Trump’s “Great Again” fantasyland.
As one Canadian journalist quipped on social media, “There’s already a place with no borders, no taxes, and free healthcare. It’s called fantasyland. Trump can stay there.”
