US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with a joke suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. The remark, made during the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC, on February 21, came amid escalating trade disputes between the neighboring countries. Although delivered in a light-hearted tone, the statement has amplified tensions in an already strained bilateral relationship.

Trump quipped that Canada could retain its national anthem, “O Canada,” if it became a US state. “We’ll have to work out some deal … because I do like the ‘O Canada’ all right,” Trump said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I think we’re going to have to keep it for the 51st state.” While intended as humor, the comment touched a nerve in Canada, where national sovereignty is a deeply cherished principle.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau swiftly dismissed Trump’s suggestion as a “non-starter.” Speaking to reporters during his visit to Brussels earlier this month, Trudeau stated, “There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada will ever be the 51st state. It’s never going to happen, but we have to take seriously what the president is saying and fold that into our thinking as we continue to stand up for Canada.”

Trump’s remarks occurred against the backdrop of ongoing economic tensions. He has repeatedly criticized Canada’s reliance on the US for trade, particularly in key sectors such as automobiles, lumber, oil, and gas. “Canada is going to have to pay tariffs on automobiles, lumber, oil, and........

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