Canadian Official Claps Back at Trump with a Counteroffer
By Jake Beardslee ·
January 9, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently responded to Donald Trump’s persistent jabs about Canada becoming the 51st state, offering a playful retort during a press conference on Monday. "You know something, to the president, I’ll make him a counteroffer. How about if we buy Alaska, and we’ll throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?" Ford said. Gage Skidmore / Joey Coleman / Wikimedia
Ford also addressed the broader context of the issue, stating, “It’s not realistic. I know he likes making these comments, and he likes joking around. I take that seriously.” Joey Coleman / Wikimedia
The premier’s comments came in response to Trump’s renewed campaign suggesting Canada join the United States. The former president promoted this idea on social media after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to step down once his party selects a new leader. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
While delivering his remarks, Ford made it clear that Canada’s sovereignty is not up for discussion. “Under my watch, that will never, ever happen,” Ford declared, emphasizing the importance of protecting Canada’s independence and addressing Trump’s reputation for making bold statements. LGOntario from Ontario, Canada / Wikimedia
Trump’s provocations came via a post on Truth Social, where he claimed, “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” and criticized Canada’s alleged reliance on U.S. trade subsidies. His comments followed Trudeau’s announcement of his upcoming resignation, adding fuel to Trump’s campaign to frame Canada as economically dependent on its southern neighbor. Trump also warned of “economic force,” threatening to impose significant tariffs on Canadian goods. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Speaking to CNN’s Erin Burnett later in the day, Ford clarified that his comments were intended as a humorous rebuttal to Trump’s rhetoric. “We’re a sovereign country. We’re proud Canadians, just like Americans are proud,” Ford stated. Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia
Trudeau also responded firmly to Trump’s statements, dismissing the idea of a merger as entirely implausible. “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” the prime minister said in a post on X. Eurasia Group / Wikimedia
This is not the first time Trump has stirred controversy with bold statements about Canada. Since November, he has suggested annexing Canada, a notion met with criticism from both sides of the border. However, his recent threats of tariffs and economic pressure mark a shift toward more serious implications for the U.S.-Canada relationship, potentially straining trade ties between the two nations. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
