WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has suggested that Canada should join the United States as its 51st state, proposing the elimination of the border between the two countries and avoiding the need for tariffs on one of America’s key allies and trade partners. This move would result in the traditional Lower 48 states becoming the contiguous 50, with Canada’s territory merging with the U.S. mainland and Alaska. President Trump stated, “If people played the game right, it would be inevitable for Canada to become a state.”
Initially, Canada dismissed Trump’s idea as a joke, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserting that Canada will never become the 51st state. However, Trudeau later acknowledged behind closed doors that Trump’s annexation proposals were a serious consideration. But is it really a possibility?
Here’s a closer examination of the situation:
How would Canada become a state?
The process of adding a new state requires approval from Congress. While it only takes a House majority, Senate filibuster rules necessitate a minimum of 60 votes in the 100-member chamber to advance a bill — a challenging requirement for crucial legislation. The Constitution’s Admissions Clause outlines the procedures for admitting new states, emphasizing the need for consent from Congress and the relevant state legislatures.
While President Trump has expressed his willingness to admit Canada as a state, there is currently no significant legislative progress towards extending statehood to Canada.
Does Canada have a say in this matter?
Residents of a territory are not always required to vote on joining the United States. Various historical pathways to statehood exist, ranging from the incorporation of the original 13 colonies to Congress approving Texas’ annexation. However, most states have joined the Union after a petition from the territorial legislative body.
In the case of Canada potentially becoming a state, a referendum would likely be necessary to gauge public interest before formal discussions could proceed. Despite positive perceptions of Canada among Americans and Canadians, Trump’s tariff threats have strained relations between the two countries, leading to discontent among Canadians.
Ultimately, the decision to admit Canada as a state would require extensive political and public support, with the current proposal facing significant challenges and uncertainties.”**
Even though Trump has not explicitly suggested it, he has not ruled out using U.S. military force to regain control of the Panama Canal. The addition of Canada to the U.S. would have a significant impact on U.S. elections. With a population of 41.6 million, Canada would become the largest state, surpassing California. Canada would be allocated two senators and 55 House seats based on the average congressional district population following the 2020 U.S. census. This would make Canada a crucial battleground in presidential elections, with 57 Electoral College delegates at stake, exceeding California’s 54.
The addition of new states has been a topic of debate, with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. being considered as potential candidates for statehood. Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, has shown support for statehood in nonbinding referendums but has not been approved by Congress. Washington, D.C. has also expressed support for statehood, but efforts to admit it as a state have not been successful in the Senate, which is now controlled by Republicans who may oppose adding states that could lean Democratic.
The last time the United States added a state was in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state. Alaska, which became the 49th state in the same year, opened the door for Hawaii’s admission to the union. Discussions have also arisen about the U.S. potentially acquiring Greenland, but Danish authorities have stated that it is not for sale.
It is of note that Congress moved to approve Hawaii’s statehood in March of that year, and the people of Hawaii cast their votes in favor of joining the union on August 21, 1959. Interestingly, Alaska has consistently supported Republican candidates in every presidential election, with the exception of 1964. In contrast, Hawaii has consistently voted for Democratic candidates in every presidential cycle, save for the years 1972 and 1984.
