As Canadians head to the polls, former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy by extending a pointed message of “good luck” to voters — and renewing his provocative proposal for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States.
In a post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Good luck to the Great people of Canada. Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the World… if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State of the United States of America.”
Trump went on to argue that the United States has been subsidizing Canada to the tune of “hundreds of billions of dollars a year,” calling it an unjustifiable expense unless Canada agrees to statehood. “No more artificially drawn line from many years ago. Look how beautiful this land mass would be. Free access with NO BORDER. ALL POSITIVES WITH NO NEGATIVES. IT WAS MEANT TO BE!” he added.
The comments have sparked reactions across both sides of the border, especially as Canadians vote in a high-stakes federal election. According to CNN, the main contest is between interim Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative opposition, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March due to plummeting poll numbers.
Voters began casting ballots early Monday in Newfoundland and Labrador. Key election issues include Trump-era tariffs, economic uncertainty, and Canada’s ongoing housing crisis.
While Trump’s suggestion of annexing Canada is not new, his renewed call during an active election cycle adds a dramatic twist to already tense cross-border dynamics.