In recent years, former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly floated a provocative idea: annexing Canada and turning it into the 51st state of the United States. What many initially took as a joke at the expense of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began to seem serious as Trump doubled down on his statements and imposed extreme tariffs targeting Canada’s economy.
His message was clear—joining the U.S. would make Canada stronger, bringing lower taxes, better security, and the elimination of trade barriers. But for Canadians, the proposal was seen not as an opportunity, but an insult.
The Reality Behind the Proposal
If Canada were to join the United States, the resulting superstate would boast unparalleled landmass, fresh water, oil, natural gas, and mineral resources. Geopolitically, the U.S. would dominate not only North America but have reach across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Trump likely saw this as a legacy-defining move.
Yet despite the grand vision, Americans themselves are not particularly interested. According to polling by Angus Reid, 60% of Americans oppose the idea outright. Another 32% are open to it—but only if Canada chooses to join. Only 6% believe the U.S. should pressure Canada economically or politically to join, and just 2% support using force.
On the Canadian side, resistance is even stronger: 90% oppose joining the U.S., with just 10% supporting the idea.
A History of Resistance
The idea of merging Canada and the U.S. isn’t new—it’s been floated for over 200 years. In fact, during the War of 1812, the U.S. invaded Canada under the pretense of liberating it from British rule. They expected to be welcomed as liberators. Instead, Canadians—of British, French, and Indigenous backgrounds—united to repel the Americans. In 1814, they even captured Washington D.C. and burned down the White House.
This historical memory runs deep in Canadian identity. There’s a strong national instinct to resist American encroachment, even as economic and cultural ties between the two nations have grown stronger over time.
The Problem Is Attitude, Not Just Policy
One of the key reasons Canadians reject the idea is the way it’s framed. Trump wasn’t proposing a respectful union between two nations. He was suggesting Canada be downgraded from a sovereign nation to a U.S. state. That would turn Canada’s Prime Minister into a governor—something few Canadians would accept.
If the proposal were made with sincerity, mutual respect, and a clear plan for preserving Canadian identity, some might be open to exploring it—especially as frustrations with domestic politics grow. But Trump’s brash, mocking tone made the suggestion feel more like colonization than cooperation.
Political and Cultural Incompatibility
Canada is politically center-left, embracing social democracy and progressive policies. The U.S., especially under Trump, leans right—sometimes extremely so. Were Canada to join the U.S., its 41 million people would overwhelmingly support Democrats, permanently shifting the American political landscape. Knowing this, it’s unlikely a figure like Trump would ever allow Canadians full political rights. They’d be more like Puerto Ricans—U.S. citizens without the right to vote in federal elections.
Canada Fears Becoming a Resource Colony
Canada’s natural resources are among the richest in the world. There’s a belief that U.S. interest in annexation isn’t about Canadians—it’s about access to fresh water, oil, gas, timber, and farmland. Canadians fear becoming a colony stripped of its autonomy, their resources exploited for American gain, and their environment sacrificed in the name of profit.
The American Dream, Reconsidered
Many Canadians view life in the U.S. with concern. A viral post from a Canadian resident on Quora summarized these worries:
“Why would we move to a country with the lowest life expectancy in the G20, the highest maternal mortality rate, the highest incarceration rate, no universal healthcare, and where hundreds of thousands go bankrupt each year due to medical bills?”
These are not just opinions—they’re backed by data. The U.S. has a lower life expectancy than Canada. It’s the only developed country without universal healthcare, with nearly 25 million uninsured. It experiences hundreds of mass shootings annually. In contrast, Canada provides free healthcare, robust social safety nets, paid parental leave, and stronger labor protections.
The Canadian Way of Life
Canadians value peace, safety, equality, and community. Wealth is not the sole marker of success. For many, joining the U.S. would mean giving up the values that make Canada feel like home.
Even immigrants feel the difference. One Fijian immigrant recounted his experience in the U.S., where he was subjected to racism and hostility, then returned to Canada and was welcomed with kindness and respect. He concluded:
“Canada is not perfect. But it’s the best country I’ve ever been to. I’ll never move to the U.S. Canada is my home.”
Final Thoughts
The idea of Canada joining the United States remains highly unlikely. It’s not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of identity. Canada is a sovereign nation, proud of its distinct values, social structure, and culture.
Trump’s annexation idea is a fantasy. Canadians aren’t interested. Americans aren’t either. And the contrast between the two countries—one built on rugged individualism, the other on community and care—remains as sharp as ever.
So, to answer the question: No, Canadians don’t want to become part of the United States. Not now. Not ever.