BREAKING: Trump Issues Shocking Ultimatum to Canada — Become the 51st State or Risk Losing $61 Billion
In a stunning and controversial statement that has set off a diplomatic firestorm, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued what he called a “major ultimatum” to Canada during a rally in Ohio this week: either become the 51st state of the United States or risk losing $61 billion in cross-border trade deals and defense agreements.
“Canada’s been riding our coattails for too long,” Trump declared to a raucous crowd. “We protect them, we trade with them, we invest in them — and what do we get in return? Weak leadership and unfair deals. It’s time for them to make a choice. Join us as the 51st state or start paying their own way — and that means they could lose $61 billion, maybe more.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, but north of the border, reactions were swift, sharp, and scathing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s comments as “absurd and insulting,” stating that Canada is a sovereign nation and has no interest in becoming part of the United States.
“Canada has always stood on its own — economically, diplomatically, and militarily,” Trudeau said during an emergency press briefing in Ottawa. “We are proud of our independence, our values, and our democracy. This rhetoric from Mr. Trump is not only dangerous, it’s completely detached from reality.”
The $61 billion figure Trump referenced appears to stem from U.S.-Canada trade in goods and services, particularly in areas such as energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Canada is one of America’s top trading partners, and both nations have benefited from decades of relatively stable relations under agreements like NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA.
However, Trump has long accused Canada of exploiting U.S. generosity, particularly when it comes to military spending under NATO, and has frequently criticized Canadian trade policies as being unfair to American farmers and workers.
This latest remark, though, takes those complaints to an entirely new level — effectively threatening a close U.S. ally with economic retaliation unless it agrees to be annexed.
International response has been swift. European leaders, NATO officials, and global economists have condemned the ultimatum, calling it “irresponsible,” “destabilizing,” and “a threat to international order.” Even within the U.S., the statement has sparked bipartisan backlash.
“This isn’t how allies treat each other,” said Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Canada is one of our strongest partners. Suggesting annexation is beyond inappropriate — it’s absurd.”
Meanwhile, Trump supporters have cheered the move as “bold” and “classic Trump,” arguing that it’s a negotiating tactic to push America’s interests first.
While it’s unlikely that the ultimatum will lead to any actual policy shift — let alone Canadian statehood — the political fallout is already enormous. What began as a campaign rally comment may now escalate into a serious strain in U.S.-Canada relations.
For now, Canada remains an independent country — and Trump’s latest bombshell has once again turned the world’s attention to his unpredictable and confrontational brand of politics.
