The recent suggestion of US President Donald Trump that Canada should be considered “America’s 51st state” has sent serious shockwaves in the diplomatic community and has ignited debates and controversies across North America. Trump’s proposal of a 175 billion dollar “Golden Dome” missile defence system to Canada at the expense of Canada’s sovereignty is considered His latest gambit to make Canada join the Union. Although such remarks faced dismissal from some as they regarded it as attention-seeking bravado, nothing more than a political theatre, it raised serious concerns regarding the careful analysis of US foreign policy as well as Canada’s sovereignty.
Trump’s Bold Claim and Its Importance
During the election campaign, Trump, in his typical political style, remarked that the United States of America and Canada are “so similar” that it “makes no sense for Canada not to be part of America.” Trump further added, “If I were in charge, Canada would be the 51st state by now.”
No doubt, such remarks were not made as part of any official policy proposal. Still, their symbolic weightage cannot be underestimated. These remarks targeted the mutual respect between the two nations as they had been working together as independent, sovereign partners for a very long time and revealed the dangerous spark of expansionist ideologies that raised the concept of annexation of Canada by America back in the era of Manifest Destiny. However, it is still residing in modern populist movements.
The Golden Dome Offer: Declaring Security at a Price
Trump modelled a comprehensive missile defence “Golden Dome” initiative for North America after Israel’s Iron Dome. For this, Trump argued that Canada could become part of this shield by considering two options: either pay 61 billion dollars for this shield and join as an independent nation or become part of the US as a state and get the system for free.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said,
“Canada could either invest billions to become part of the proposed ‘Golden Dome’ system or receive it at no cost if they relinquish their sovereignty.”
Canadian Response to the “51st State” Bid
The Canadian representatives recorded unequivocal responses.
The office of Prime Minister Mark Carney responded, “Canada is a proud, independent country and has no plans to give up its sovereignty.”
Carney told Trump directly that his motherland, Canada, was “never for sale,” and other Canadians all across the political spectrum have also dismissed this proposal of Trump and considered it as “unserious,” “unrealistic,” and “deeply insulting” to Canadian identity. Apart from these comments, serious actions have been taken by the Canadian government.
Canada is already cooperating with the US closely through NORAD on continental defence, and recently, it has committed billions to further modernise its associated northern defences, which clearly demonstrates its willingness to strengthen its security ties with the US without compromising its independence.
The Political and Legal Reality of Trump’s Claim
The idea presented by Trump to see Canada as a US state is politically toxic. It faces hurdles not only from Canada but also from the insurmountable constitution of the US. To admit any new state, Congressional approval is a requirement of the US Constitution, along with the consent of both the US and Canadian legislatures.
No serious movement regarding this claim is observed in Congress to pursue Canadian statehood. For this idea to be something above fantasy, approval is needed with a two-thirds majority from both the US House and Senate, which will be followed by ratification by 38 legislatures of the US states. This hurdle of convincing the states to alter the fundamental balance of power and identity of the Union is not child’s play.
This also requires an unprecedented amendment to the Canadian Constitution since it requires approval by not only the federal parliament but also by all ten provincial legislatures, and there is no chance for this amendment to happen effectively. Apart from this, the strong opposition to this idea is evident from Canadian public opinion.
Trump’s Plan and Rhetoric
Trump’s rhetoric has gone far beyond mere “Golden Dome” defence cooperation. Trump is seen repeatedly suggesting that Canada’s independence is an inconvenience and, most importantly, a costly one for the US, and he claimed,
“I believe Canada would be better off as 51st state because we lose billions of dollars annually to Canada. I won’t let that continue. Why are we essentially providing a $200 billion yearly subsidy to Canada?”
This rhetoric is not harmless. Apart from fuelling Americans’ outdated notion of expansionism, it is framing Canada as a potential “acquisition” which is undermining its status as a trade partner and a valued ally. It attempts to reduce a complicated relationship to a very simplistic and domineering narrative.
Furthermore, it distracts attention from major issues in the US-Canada relationship, such as border management, trade disputes, defence spending, supply chain security, and climate cooperation.
However, such statements have faced criticism in Canada and have met with indignation there; the Defence Minister of Canada, Bill Blair, calls these comments “offensive” and reaffirms Canada’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.
Rejected Proposal
Trump’s bold push for Canadian statehood is not a realistic policy but only a provocative political manoeuvre which leaders of the Canadian government firmly reject, and it is seen as a nonstarter from the lens of politics and the constitution.
This episode underscores the complex relationship between the two nations regarding security. It should be noted that the success of the US-Canada relationship depends entirely on mutual respect, cooperation between the two equally, and a shared commitment to tackle all the real problems together.
Let’s focus on just strengthening the remarkable, already existing partnership that is built on shared geography as well as values. There is no need to waste time chasing the mirage of a “Maple Merger” that neither any nation wants nor any of them could ever achieve. The 49th parallel line marks a clear border, and it is not any future annexation line. Canada is, and it will remain, proudly as well as resolutely, Canada. Canada’s stance is clear that the maple leaf will not be replaced at any cost by the stars and stripes.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
Qandeel Fatima is a Lecturer of Chemistry at the University of Mianwali. Alongside her dedication to teaching and research, she remains deeply engaged with Pakistan's socio-political landscape and global dynamics, believing that scientific thinking must inform public policy for meaningful national progress. As a committed aspirant of CSS and PMS, she aims to combine her scientific knowledge with public service.