Trudeau vows Canada will 'never' become 51st state amid Trump threats

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly rejected the idea of Canada becoming the fifty-first U.S. state, calling the idea a “nonstarter” while addressing recent comments by President Donald Trump.  

“Canada will never be the fifty-first state. It’s never going to happen,” said Trudeau, emphasizing Canada’s sovereignty. 

Trudeau stressed that Trump’s past remarks about annexing Canada must be taken seriously, even as he dismissed the possibility outright. 

“There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell,” said Trudeau.  

Trudeau pointed out that he has worked with Trump for nearly eight years and warned that ignoring the former president’s statements could risk Canada’s interests. 

While initially dismissing Trump’s fifty-first state comments as a joke, Trudeau said shifting to a more cautious stance was about preparedness, not panic. 

“We have to fold his words into our thinking,” said Trudeau.  

Trudeau pointed to recent actions by Canadians such as altering travel plans, supporting local businesses, and diversifying trade with Europe and Asia as proof of national unity. 

“Canadians are doubling down on pride and standing up for each other,” said Trudeau.

Asked about Trump’s reported interest in Canada’s critical minerals, Trudeau acknowledged economic pressures but argued cooperation benefits both nations. 

Trudeau described Canada as a “reliable partner” supplying energy and resources to U.S. industries, warning tariffs or fifty-first state threats would harm American jobs and consumers.  

Still, Trudeau vowed to defend Canadian sovereignty if challenged. 

“We will respond appropriately and strongly stand up for Canadian workers,” said Trudeau, adding that while partnership is preferred, Canada will “pull together” as an “independent nation.”  

The remarks underscore Trudeau’s balancing act of engaging a volatile U.S. political landscape while assuring Canadians their independence is non-negotiable. 

“We want to work together,” said Trudeau.

“But we will always be a sovereign country.”