Washington, May 6, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy on Tuesday by suggesting that Canada should be integrated as the 51st state of the United States.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump emphasized his desire to strengthen ties between the two countries “at any cost,” calling the U.S.-Canada border “artificial” and stating, “We are one people in many ways, it’s time we start thinking big.”
The unexpected comment drew immediate international attention, though neither Trump nor Carney provided any policy details or official indication that such a move was under consideration.
Turning to foreign policy, Trump addressed U.S.-China relations, saying that dialogue with Beijing would resume “at the right time,” while reiterating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the American automobile industry.
“I won’t impose tariffs on any company that manufactures within the United States,” he added, in a clear nod to promoting domestic production.
Prime Minister Carney, for his part, praised Trump’s global leadership. “President Trump has played a vital role in helping restore international security,” he said, striking a conciliatory tone.
While Trump’s statehood remark appeared off-the-cuff, it has sparked widespread debate and speculation across diplomatic and political circles in both countries.
