‘Highly Unlikely’ but not impossible? Trump reignites Canada annexation talk

US President Donald Trump frequently makes statements that send shockwaves across the world. In a recent interview with NBC, he said it is “highly unlikely” that the US would use military force to annex Canada, though he maintains he will continue his stance to push Canada to become the 51st state.

“I don’t see it with Canada. I just don’t see it, I have to be honest with you,” Trump told the host. Yet he followed up, saying he would “always talk about” a merger with Canada, claiming without evidence that the US subsidizes its neighbor to the tune of $200 billion a year. “We don’t need their cars, their lumber, their energy,” Trump added. “We don’t even want their energy.”

In reality, US government data does not support Trump’s claim. According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the United States recorded a $63.3 billion goods trade deficit with Canada in 2024, a decrease from the previous year.


These remarks come as he prepares to meet Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, this week in Washington.

Carney, a former central banker, recently succeeded Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister and has been actively vocal in his opposition to Trump's annexation remarks and tariffs on Canadian goods.

"America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape, or form,” he said.

There is an ongoing trade war between the two countries that has further intensified the situation after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to retaliate with tariffs on U.S products. Carney has promised to maintain these tariffs until the U.S. shows respect for its national sovereignty and commits to fair trade practices.

As the two leaders prepare to meet this week, the future of relations hangs in the balance.