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President Donald Trump said he is “serious” about Canada becoming America’s 51st state during an interview before the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Trump shared the comments during his pre-game interview with Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier.
“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state, because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” he said. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy, to Canada?”
The remarks come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that Trump’s claims about making Canada a state are a “real thing.”
“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing,” Trudeau said, according to Canada’s CBC. “They’re very aware of our resources of what we have and they very much want to be able to benefit from those.”
The comments also came after a recent 30-day pause on tariffs against Canada originally planned to begin earlier this month.
“Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country,” Trump wrote on Feb. 3.
“Canada will implement their $1.3 Billion Border plan, and as per Prime Minister Trudeau, will be, “reinforcing the Border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are, and will be, working on protecting the Border,” the statement continued.
Trump noted Canada’s plans to appoint a “fentanyl czar” and a joint task force with the U.S. to stop drugs from entering the U.S.
“In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the Border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with $200 million,” Trump stated.
The president concluded with a commitment to ensure the safety of Americans as he worked with neighboring nations concerning secure borders.
“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!” Trump concluded.
