'If you pick a fight with Canada...': Jagmeet Singh, Khalistani supporter and ex-Trudeau ally's message for Trump

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) and a former ally of outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a sharp rebuke to US President-elect Donald Trump’s statements about annexing Canada. In a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “Our country is not for sale. Not now, not ever,” condemning Trump’s long-standing rhetoric about making Canada the 51st US state.

Jagmeet Singh delivered a staunch defence of Canadian sovereignty in response to Donald Trump's controversial remarks about using "economic force" to bring Canada into the United States.

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Jagmeet Singh has a message for Trump

“I have a message for Donald Trump. Our country's not for sale. Not now, not ever,” Singh said in a video posted on X.

“I’ve lived across this country, and I can tell you Canadians are a proud people. We're proud of our country, and we're ready to fight like hell to defend it.”


The NDP leader boasted about being a good neighbour and extending support to the US amid the Los Angeles fire that has killed at least 24 people so far. “Right now with the forest fires ravaging homes, Canadian firefighters showed up. That's who we are. We show up and support our neighbors."

Jagmeet Singh vowed retaliation if the US imposes tariffs on Canada. He said, "If Donald Trump thinks, if you think you can pick a fight with us, there will be a price to pay. I have committed that if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on us, we should respond with retaliatory tariffs in kind. I think that anyone running as Prime Minister should do the same."

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Canada 51st US state row

Singh’s comments came amid escalating tensions following Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st US state. The former US president has reiterated his belief that dissolving the "artificially drawn line" between the two nations would benefit both countries, particularly in terms of national security. Singh, however, dismissed these assertions and vowed a robust response if Trump’s rhetoric turned into action.

Earlier in December, Trump, 78, claimed on his social media platform Truth Social, “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state,” and touted supposed benefits of such a move. On Christmas, he listed these “benefits,” including slashing taxes by over 60%, doubling businesses’ size, and offering unparalleled military protection.

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Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump denied any intention to use military force to annex Canada but reiterated his vision of a unified North America. “Canada and the United States, that would really be something,” Trump said.

“You get rid of that artificially drawn line and take a look at what that looks like. It would also be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we basically protect Canada.” Trump further criticised the financial burden he claims the US bears in protecting its northern neighbor, suggesting that Canada’s integration into the United States would alleviate this imbalance. These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Canadian leaders, including outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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Trump has been vocal about his plans to take charge of Canada and make it the 51st US state. Earlier this month, following Justin Trudeau's resignation, Trump once again floated the idea of an acquisition cum merger and said, "If Canada merged with the US, there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!"

Justin Trudeau quickly hit back at Trump saying, "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States." "Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner," he added.

As Canada prepares for a change in leadership, the incoming government will face the task of navigating these strained relations while reaffirming the nation’s independence.