The idea of absorbing Canada into the United States, of making it the 51st state, wasn’t just a fleeting thought for Donald Trump – it was a persistent ambition, confided in private conversations with royal biographer Robert Hardman.
But the path to annexation, Trump revealed, wasn’t about military might or political maneuvering. It was about history, or rather, the weight of it. “I suppose the Canadians have got 200 years of history and all that ‘Oh, Canada’ thing,” he reportedly said. “You can’t deal with that in three and a half years. I guess it’s not going to happen!”
The surprising admission came during a discussion about King Charles. Trump, seemingly perplexed, questioned whether Canada even *recognized* the monarchy anymore. Hardman assured him they did, a detail that appeared to shift Trump’s focus – and perhaps, his intentions.
Trump’s frustration with Canada wasn’t a matter of policy, but of perceived disrespect. He spoke of “terrible politicians,” specifically referencing a past slight from Justin Trudeau, who had been caught on camera mocking him at a NATO event. “They’re nice to my face and then they say bad things behind my back,” Trump lamented.
He even sketched out a geographical solution, suggesting the border was arbitrarily drawn. “Some guy drew that straight line… He should just have drawn it 50 miles further north and then there wouldn’t be a problem,” he mused, envisioning a seamless absorption of northern communities.
Interestingly, Hardman noted a curious connection: Trump’s respect for Queen Elizabeth II and, subsequently, King Charles, seemed to be a key deterrent. As long as Canada remained under the Crown, Trump appeared unwilling to challenge that established order. It was the closest thing to acknowledging a boundary he wouldn’t cross.
The notion of annexing Canada wasn’t born in a vacuum. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson had recently ignited the debate, arguing that Canada’s vast resources and proximity to the U.S. warranted “regime change,” even “by force if necessary,” to liberate its citizens from an oppressive government.
Trump had repeatedly floated the idea of Canada joining the Union, particularly after his 2024 reelection. A tense dinner with then-Prime Minister Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago saw Trump jokingly suggest Canada should simply become a state if its economy couldn’t survive without American trade. He even began playfully referring to Trudeau as “governor.”
Following Trudeau’s resignation, Trump boldly claimed credit, posting on social media that “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.” The sentiment, however, didn’t resonate universally, with many Canadians expressing skepticism and resistance.
Even after Mark Carney became Prime Minister, Trump continued to hint at the possibility, though he dropped the “governor” moniker. During a White House meeting, Carney firmly stated Canada was “never be for sale,” prompting Trump’s enigmatic response: “Time will tell. It’s only time. But I say never say never.”
Trump’s vision extended beyond Canada, as evidenced by an AI-generated image he shared, depicting the U.S. flag draped over Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela. He consistently emphasized Canada’s dependence on the United States, stating bluntly, “Canada lives because of the United States.”
