A hot mic moment has ignited controversy after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on tape suggesting that President Donald Trump is “serious about annexing Canada.” This candid comment, made during a private conversation, has sparked debate, with many wondering whether Trudeau was joking or expressing genuine concerns about U.S.-Canada relations.
On Friday, Trudeau was overheard stating that he believes Trump is seriously considering making Canada the 51st U.S. state. The Canadian prime minister made these remarks to business and labor leaders during a closed-door session that was accidentally broadcast by a loudspeaker.
Trudeau claimed that Trump’s ambitions of annexation are a “real thing,” saying, “Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country,” adding that the U.S. is very aware of Canada’s resources and wants to benefit from them. Trudeau emphasized that Trump sees Canada’s vast natural resources, including oil, lumber, wheat, and valuable metals like gold, platinum, and nickel, as a major reason for wanting to absorb Canada.
Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of the U.S. acquiring Canada, largely due to the country’s economic value. Canada is a top producer of critical minerals and commodities that the U.S. values highly.
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, confirmed that Trudeau’s comments were made over the loudspeaker. McGowan wrote on X, “Yes, I can confirm that Trudeau said his assessment is that what Trump really wants is not action on fentanyl, immigration, or even the trade deficit, what he really wants is to either dominate Canada or take it outright.”
Trump has repeatedly threatened Canada with tariffs, accusing the country of not doing enough to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs, especially fentanyl, into the U.S. He also claims that the U.S. is subsidizing Canada by $200 billion each year. However, Trump has said he would lift these tariffs if Canada agreed to join the U.S. as a 51st state, even suggesting that Trudeau would make a great governor.
After a phone conversation with Trump last week, Trudeau agreed to a $1.3 billion border plan and the appointment of a fentanyl czar. Additionally, Trudeau committed to enhancing Canada’s border security, deploying nearly 10,000 personnel, and improving coordination with U.S. authorities by introducing new helicopters, technology, and personnel to better tackle border protection efforts.
