Ontario Premier Doug Ford has fired back at U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s repeated jabs about Canada becoming the “51st state” with a counterproposal of his own: purchasing Alaska.
Speaking to reporters on Monday about looming tariff threats and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation, Ford took a direct jab at Trump’s taunts.
“You know something, to the president I’ll make him a counteroffer: How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” Ford said, responding to Trump’s repeated comments about annexing Canada.
Trump’s ‘51st State’ Remarks
For weeks, Trump has mocked Canada, referring to Prime Minister Trudeau as “Governor Justin Trudeau” and joking about Canada as a U.S. state. In one instance, Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son, shared a photoshopped image on social media showing Donald Trump purchasing Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal on Amazon.
These comments come amid Trump’s threat to impose a blanket 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods imported to the United States unless Canada significantly reduces the flow of drugs and migrants across the border.
While Canadian officials have largely dismissed Trump’s remarks as bluster, they have expressed concern about the economic implications of the proposed tariffs. Experts have warned that such tariffs could pose an “existential threat” to Canada’s economy.
Ford Stands Firm
Although Ford has previously downplayed Trump’s remarks as humor, his tone shifted on Monday, making it clear that annexation is not an option under his watch.
“It’s not realistic,” Ford said. “I know he [Trump] likes making these comments, and he likes joking around. I take that seriously. He may be joking, but under my watch, that will never, ever happen.”
Ford also urged Trudeau and federal officials to prioritize the looming tariff threats during this transitional period for the Liberal government.
“We need an all-hands-on-deck approach,” Ford said. “The prime minister said he would sit down with all the premiers for a face-to-face meeting. I still want to hold him to that promise. He still will be prime minister for a month, maybe two months. That has to be his number one focus.”
Trump, meanwhile, continued to stoke the flames. Following Trudeau’s resignation announcement, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.”
Trump also reiterated his vision of a hypothetical U.S.-Canada merger, claiming it would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and enhance security. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
Ford’s counterproposal to “buy Alaska” has drawn both laughter and criticism, with some interpreting it as a humorous rebuttal and others questioning its seriousness amid the escalating rhetoric.
Political analysts point out that the real focus should remain on the economic threat posed by Trump’s tariff proposal. Ford emphasized the need for a cohesive and immediate federal response to mitigate potential damage to Canada’s economy.
“As a nation, we need to ensure that we’re protecting our industries and citizens from unjust economic pressures,” Ford said. “If these tariffs go forward, retaliation must be on the table.”
As Trudeau prepares to step down, the political climate in Canada remains tense. The Liberal leadership race will determine who inherits the challenges of navigating Trump’s rhetoric, impending tariffs, and other pressing issues.
Meanwhile, Ford’s playful counteroffer and Trump’s annexation comments underscore the unique challenges in Canada-U.S. relations as the Trump presidency looms on the horizon once again.
For now, Ford’s tongue-in-cheek response stands as a symbol of Canadian resilience—and a reminder that Canada’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.