Introduction: A Joke That Turned Serious
When Donald Trump first mentioned Canada as the "51st state," many dismissed it as just another of his offhand remarks. But as tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalated—with economic pressure, trade disputes, and diplomatic friction growing—his words began to carry real weight. Could Trump actually push for Canada’s annexation? How would Canada respond? And in a bizarre twist, could Canada use the same logic to claim the United States instead?
In this blog, we’ll break down the historical context, Trump’s strategy, Canada’s potential counterplay, and who ultimately wins this argument.
The U.S.-Canada Border: An Artificially Drawn Line?
One of Trump's key rhetorical angles is the idea that the U.S.-Canada border is nothing more than an "artificially drawn line." This argument plays into historical realities:
- The border was established through treaties between European colonial powers (Britain and the U.S.), not through natural geographic or cultural divisions.
- Indigenous nations such as the Mohawk and Blackfoot historically moved across these lands long before the U.S. and Canada existed.
- The 49th parallel was chosen arbitrarily through diplomatic negotiations, rather than reflecting economic, cultural, or regional identities.
Trump could use this historical framing to suggest that Canada naturally belongs to the U.S. and that annexation would simply be a "correction of history." However, Canada could flip this argument on its head—and in doing so, make a case that the U.S. is actually the artificial entity in North America.
Flipping the Script: The U.S. as the ‘Artificially Drawn Entity’
While Trump’s argument aims to justify a potential American annexation of Canada, Canada could turn this argument around and claim that the United States is actually the breakaway entity, not Canada.
1. The U.S. Was Originally British Territory
Before the American Revolution (1775-1783), the entire eastern part of North America—stretching from the Thirteen Colonies to modern-day Canada—was part of the British Empire. The British controlled:
- The Thirteen Colonies (which would later become the United States).
- The Province of Quebec (which included parts of modern-day Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes).
- The Hudson’s Bay Company’s vast territories in the north.
Had the American colonies never revolted, there would be no United States—only one large British North America.
From this perspective, it is the United States that is the artificial entity, not Canada. Canada remained part of the British system, following lawful governance, treaties, and British traditions, while the U.S. rebelled and seceded.
2. Canada Preserved British North America While the U.S. “Defected”
During and after the American Revolution, a significant number of British Loyalists—those who supported the British Crown and opposed American independence—fled to Canada rather than remain in the newly formed United States.
This mass exodus reinforced Canada’s British identity and solidified its position as the true continuation of British North America, while the U.S. was seen as a breakaway state.
Key points to consider:
- Over 60,000 Loyalists left the United States for Canada, reshaping regions like Ontario and the Maritimes.
- Britain actively encouraged settlement in Canada, creating a counterbalance to the newly independent U.S..
- Many Indigenous nations sided with the British during the American Revolution because they saw Britain as the lesser threat compared to the land-hungry American settlers.
As a result, Canada became a refuge for those who remained loyal to the Crown, while the U.S. became a nation of rebels and defectors.
If one follows this logic, it is the U.S. that abandoned its rightful place in British North America, making it the "artificially drawn entity" rather than Canada.
3. The U.S. Should Rejoin Canada and the Commonwealth
If Trump argues that Canada should become part of the U.S., Canada could counter that the U.S. should, instead, return to the Commonwealth and reunite with Canada under British traditions.
Here’s how this argument could be framed:
- The United States existed as a British colony longer (1607-1776) than it has existed as an independent country (1776-present).
- The Commonwealth of Nations, led symbolically by Britain, includes over 50 countries—many of which were former colonies like Canada, Australia, and India.
- The U.S., by rejoining Canada, could reconnect with its historical roots and join a global coalition rather than remain politically isolated.
This argument would mock Trump’s logic by suggesting that the U.S. is the "lost" territory that should return to its "true" governing system rather than Canada being annexed by the U.S.
Who Wins the Argument?
Given Trump’s declining popularity, does his argument for annexing Canada hold any weight? Recent polling suggests Trump’s economic and foreign policy decisions are deeply unpopular:
- Only 1 in 3 Americans approve of his handling of inflation and trade. (Reuters)
- His approval rating has fallen below 50%. (NY Mag)
Meanwhile, in Canada:
- 90% of Canadians reject the idea of joining the U.S. (Angus Reid Poll)
- Justin Trudeau has firmly dismissed the idea as "not happening under any circumstances." (Wikipedia)
This suggests that Trump’s push for annexation is politically unviable, while Canada’s ability to outmaneuver the U.S. on economic and diplomatic grounds remains strong.
Final Thoughts: What Happens Next?
While full annexation of either country is extremely unlikely, the rhetoric surrounding U.S.-Canada relations could have real-world consequences:
- Increased trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
- More military posturing along the northern border.
- Growing nationalist movements in both countries.
The real question isn’t whether Trump will annex Canada or whether Canada will absorb the U.S., but rather:
How will North American politics shift in the next few years?
If the U.S. continues down a path of economic instability and political division, could there come a day when some Americans actually want Canadian governance? And if Trump continues pushing for annexation, will Canada strengthen its independence or seek closer ties with Europe and Asia instead?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain:
The U.S.-Canada relationship is entering a new era of uncertainty—and nothing should be taken for granted anymore.
