Trump Makes Trudeau Humiliating Offer - What if We Just Take Over Canada, And You Get to Be Governor?

In middle school, our U.S. history teacher shared an amusing anecdote during a lesson on the War of 1812: the United States attempted to invade Canada three times in hopes of annexing it from the British—and failed. “If only,” he joked, “Canada could have been our 51st state.”

Fast forward to today, and the joke appears to have resurfaced, thanks to a meeting between President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago. Reports suggest the concept was floated again—with a twist. According to Fox News, Trump even quipped that Trudeau could serve as the governor of the new state if he so desired.

The lighthearted exchange came after Trudeau reportedly expressed concern over proposed U.S. tariffs, which Trump claimed were necessary to address border issues and trade deficits. According to Fox News, Trump stated he would implement a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods if these problems weren’t resolved. Trudeau responded by warning such tariffs could devastate Canada’s economy. Trump’s retort? “So your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion?”

What followed was a mix of humor and awkwardness. Trump jokingly suggested that Canada could become the 51st state, adding that Trudeau could retain the title of prime minister—or alternatively, become governor. Someone in the room noted Canada’s liberal leanings, prompting Trump to jest about splitting it into a liberal state and a conservative one.

While the notion of annexing Canada has long been a topic of humor rather than serious policy, the idea hasn’t been discussed in earnest since the War of 1812. Aside from fictionalized debates like the one in the 1999 South Park movie, it’s been a historical footnote rather than a contemporary political possibility.

However, in Trump’s playful framing, the arrangement seemed almost beneficial. “Justin Trudeau,” as one commentator put it, “is what would happen if the song ‘Imagine’ took human form and then ate a Tide Pod.” Harsh? Perhaps. But in Trump’s view, Trudeau’s governance might thrive in a new environment, especially among America’s governors, where the bar for competence can sometimes feel remarkably low.

After all, as the commentary points out, California—home to nearly as many people as all of Canada—is led by Gavin Newsom, a governor frequently criticized yet somehow reelected. Minnesota’s Tim Walz also managed to secure a second term, and there are rumors Kamala Harris might aim to replace Newsom in her next political chapter despite mixed reviews of her vice presidency.

For Trudeau, the transition from prime minister to governor might even seem like an upgrade. With Canada’s economy under strain and his political future uncertain ahead of the next federal election in 2025, the timing might be right. As the commentator concluded, “Canada missed its chance to capitulate in the early 19th century. It might be aboot time.”