Kevin O’Leary, the Montreal-born entrepreneur turned Miami Beach resident, has come under fire from Canadians for his apparent support of a controversial proposal to merge Canada with the United States.
The backlash erupted after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that “many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.” The comment fueled speculation that Trump’s sentiment was influenced by a meeting with O’Leary, who has publicly endorsed a closer U.S.-Canada relationship.
Social Media Backlash
Canadians took to social media to voice their outrage, with one user calling O’Leary “a sack of s–t” and another labeling him a “traitor.” Others mocked the former Shark Tank star for allegedly speaking on behalf of the nation without any mandate.
One viral post read: “Kevin O’Leary is despised in Canada. He is an absolute clown.”
O’Leary’s Vision for a U.S.-Canada Deal
O’Leary, 70, suggested during a December Fox Business interview that many Canadians were open to the idea of merging with the United States, citing conversations he claimed to have had over the holidays. His vision includes a deal similar to the European Union, involving a shared currency and defense partnership.
“Canadians over the holidays… have been talking about this,” O’Leary said. “They want to hear more.”
O’Leary doubled down on his stance during another Fox News appearance this week, further igniting criticism online.
Trudeau Fires Back
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation on Monday, responded firmly to Trump and O’Leary’s comments.
“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” Trudeau tweeted, affirming Canada’s autonomy.
A Polarizing Figure
O’Leary’s polarizing reputation in Canada stems from his failed bid to lead the Canadian Conservative Party in 2017, where he secured only one percent of the vote. His latest remarks have reinforced perceptions that he is disconnected from the views of average Canadians.
As social media continues to roast O’Leary for his U.S.-Canada merger advocacy, it remains unclear whether his controversial statements will gain any traction—or if they will simply fuel his notoriety among his countrymen.