Former President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump) reiterated on Wednesday that Canada could eventually become the United States' 51st state, arguing that ongoing trade disputes and what he called unfair treatment justify the notion. He made the comments at a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, where he listed grievances such as tariffs on American goods and the relocation of car manufacturing to Canada.
**Key points**
- Date and venue: Wednesday, rally in Bullhead City, Arizona.
- Main claim: Canada may become the 51st state.
- Quote: “Canada treats us very badly. They always have. Not anymore. It’s a whole different ball game now that Trump is in town.”
- Specific complaints: tariffs on dairy products and other American exports, and the movement of auto production.
**What grievances did Trump cite?**
Trump accused Canada of exploiting the American economy through tariffs on dairy, saying the restrictions apply to “anything past two bottles of milk.” He also argued that the United States loses billions of dollars supporting a nation he does not consider part of America.
**How did Canadian officials respond?**
Canadian leaders have repeatedly rejected the suggestion. In September, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans to place signs at border crossings stating the province would “never be the 51st state.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford similarly dismissed the idea, calling Trump “back on his high horse” and insisting that Canadian sovereignty is not for sale.
**Has Trump made similar proposals before?**
The former president first floated the idea in June, when Canada faced economic headwinds that some analysts described as a technical recession. He later compared the prospect to his earlier interest in Greenland, saying “They’ll be doing something just like Greenland.” He also joked about renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” adding that the United States’ “plate’s getting larger all the time.”
Overall, Trump’s remarks have heightened tensions in an already strained trade relationship between [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada) and the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States), with both sides maintaining firm positions on their respective economic policies.