Trump Pushes 51st State Proposal Amid Election Debate

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly and repeatedly called for Canada to become the 51st state, asserting in interviews and on social media that he is serious about the proposal. Trump claims the U.S. loses $200 to $250 billion annually by supporting Canada, a figure analysts dispute as exaggerated. In a recent phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump raised the annexation idea, which Carney initially downplayed before later acknowledging under media pressure, prompting criticism from opposition leaders over transparency. Trump argues that only statehood would correct alleged economic imbalances, though there is no indication that the Canadian government or public supports such a move. The controversy has become a prominent issue in the Canadian federal election, fueling debates about sovereignty and U.S.-Canada relations. Carney and all major Canadian parties have reaffirmed their commitment to national independence.