President-Elect Donald Trump Reiterates Push to Make Canada the 51st State
President-elect Donald Trump continued to advocate for making Canada the United States’ 51st state, stating that it would be “something” and that it would happen through “economic force” rather than by using military force. This is not the first time Trump has made the suggestion, as he previously made a social media post stating that “many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.”
Trump believes that if Canada were to join the US, it would lead to no tariffs, lower taxes, and increased security for the Canadian military. He also thinks it would be a great nation, suggesting that the US and Canada would be “TOTALLY SECURE” from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships surrounding Canada.
However, not everyone is convinced that this is a viable option. Longtime Republican strategist Dave Carney notes that the likelihood of Canada joining the US is extremely slim, but admits that it’s a great negotiating strategy by Trump. Carney believes that Trump’s ability to use every tool in his toolbox, including using soft power, allows him to get what he wants.
If Canada were to join the US, it would likely be a boon for Democrats, according to political analysts. Canada’s population of over 40 million would make it the most populous state in the US, edging out California. This could give Democrats a significant advantage in the battle for Congressional majorities and the electoral vote count in presidential elections.
Canada as a state would also bring millions of voters who align with the Democratic agenda and ideology. Political scientist Wayne Lesperance notes that this could lead to a congressional delegation that would oppose Trump’s and the Republican Party’s political agenda.
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of the National Review, believes that Canada would be a “blue-state behemoth” and that it would likely make the US more like Canada, rather than the other way around.