During a Fox News interview Kevin O’Leary called President-elect Donald Trump’s idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state a massive opportunity.
Key Facts:
• President-elect Trump proposed turning Canada into the 51st state, jokingly calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a “governor.”
• Kevin O’Leary, a prominent Canadian investor, supports the concept, citing shared values of freedom.
• Trump claims Canadians would see major tax cuts and stronger military protection under U.S. statehood.
• O’Leary says many Canadians want to learn more about how such a union might work.
The Rest of The Story:
During a television interview, O’Leary emphasized the economic benefits that could flow from a closer relationship, given Canada’s vast resources and the U.S. demand for power and water.
Trump’s earlier suggestion sparked debate, especially because he threatened tariffs on Canadian products if they did not tighten the border and the flow of immigrants between the two countries.
O’Leary also warned that rising concerns about China’s military might offer another reason for the two neighbors to bolster their alliance.
He believes a combined U.S.-Canada partnership would be unmatched in economic strength and security.
🚨 KEVIN O'LEARY (a Canadian): Think about the power of merging the Canada with the U.S. A common currency. No more worrying about the northern border. At least half of Canadians are interested. I'm gonna go to Mar-a-Lago and convince Trump myself.pic.twitter.com/KAbAQq7PEX
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 26, 2024
Commentary:
Despite the hype, it seems unlikely that Canada will formally become the 51st state soon.
The complexities of merging two nations—culturally and politically—would probably take more than a single presidential proposal.
Still, this discussion could pave the way for stronger trade ties between the two countries.
With Trudeau’s government hanging by a thread and a new government hopefully to take power in Ottawa, U.S. businesses may gain greater access to Canada’s market and resources, fueling optimism for deeper economic cooperation.
Pierre Poilievre is wooing the younger and working-class Canadian voters who once propelled Justin Trudeau to power in 2015. The pugnacious Conservative could win the country’s election in 2025 https://t.co/NQsueJk5iA
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) December 27, 2024
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s provocative idea has sparked real curiosity, even if it never becomes reality.
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It may ultimately encourage the U.S. and Canada to forge tighter bonds in trade and security.