In the ever-theatrical world of Donald Trump’s political commentary, contradictions are not rare. But one of the more baffling ones to surface involves Canada—America’s peaceful neighbour to the north. Trump has, at various times, floated the idea (jokingly or otherwise) of Canada becoming the 51st state. Yet in the same breath, he’s also claimed that the United States “doesn’t need anything from Canada.” Based on that, the whole idea Trump has for Canada to be the 51st state doesn’t make sense.
When asked recently by a reporter if he was just trolling when making these statements, Trump stated that he in fact was not.
Both of these things cannot be true. If the US truly doesn’t need anything from Canada, there is no need to make it the 51st state. It wouldn’t work. The whole idea of Canada becoming the 51st state makes no sense.
This contradiction reveals a fundamental incoherence in Trump’s geopolitical rhetoric (among a lot of other incoherences) and raises the question: if Canada is supposedly irrelevant to U.S. interests, why would making it part of the union even be on the table?
Canada: Not Just the “Friendly Neighbor”
First, let’s unpack the claim that the U.S. doesn’t “need” Canada. Canada is one of America’s top trading partners, with hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services flowing across the border every year. The U.S. imports vast amounts of Canadian oil, lumber, aluminum, and food products, while also exporting machinery, vehicles, and consumer goods northward. Canada is not just needed—it’s embedded in the economic and energy fabric of the United States.
Strategically, Canada also plays a major role in NORAD, the joint U.S.-Canadian aerospace defense command, and is a close NATO ally. The two countries share the longest undefended border in the world, and their military, intelligence, and economic cooperation is among the closest in the world.
The 51st State Paradox
Suggesting that Canada become the 51st state implies a few things. First, that Canada is somehow lacking sovereignty or that its inclusion in the U.S. would be mutually beneficial. Second, that Americans would benefit from integrating Canada into its political system.
But here’s the paradox: If the U.S. doesn’t need Canada, as Trump has claimed, why would he even entertain the idea of annexation? You don’t seek to absorb a nation you consider nonessential—especially not one with a functioning democracy, strong economy, and higher living standards in many areas than the U.S.
This kind of statement either misunderstands or deliberately ignores Canada’s significance while also projecting an outdated, imperialistic view of North American politics—one that most Canadians and many Americans would outright reject.
A Clash of National Identities
There’s also the cultural element to consider. Canada has its own distinct identity, government, and values. While the two nations share much in terms of language, pop culture, and economic systems, there are also stark differences in healthcare, gun laws, immigration policy, and approach to climate change. Assuming Canada would want to give up its independence for a subordinate role as a U.S. state is not just unrealistic—it’s dismissive of an entire nation’s sovereignty.
Trump’s contradiction is a microcosm of a larger issue with his style of political discourse: statements are made for effect, not consistency. Whether meant as a joke, a provocation, or a real suggestion, floating the idea of Canada as the 51st state while simultaneously declaring its uselessness undermines both arguments. It’s not policy—it’s performance.
Trump’s 51st State Idea Makes No Sense
Aside from the fact that Trump doesn’t even have the slightest grasp of how Global economics works, it shows that he also doesn’t have a clue about much else when it comes to running a country and the concept of sovereign nations. He’s the master of saying a lot of things and seeing what sticks. But in the case of Canada being a 51st state, the idea makes no sense based on other things he says.
So does he mean it as some people suggest? Or is it just more rhetoric to a) rile up his base or b) distract from the things he’s doing. But even as rhetoric, the idea collapses under its own contradictions. If Canada truly offers nothing to the U.S., why make it a state? And if Canada does bring value—as the facts clearly show—it deserves more respect than to be flippantly tossed into America’s imaginary annexation bin.
I said before that I really don’t know what it means to be a patriotic Canadian, and I still stick by that. But I also stick with, fiercely and adamantly that I want to remain one.
Once more for the people in the back: Trump’s 51st state plan makes no sense.
