The Real World Consequences of Trump's Dumb Musings about Annexing Canada

Soft Power Matters

He’s done it again.

This time, in the context of dunking on Justin Trudeau, who had just announced his impending resignation as Prime Minister of Canada.

This, of course, is part of a pattern. Since the election, Donald Trump has made several statements suggesting that Canada should be annexed to the United States, including, reportedly, during a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the U.S. election in November.

Then, on December 18, he posted on Truth Social: “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!" On December 26, on what Canadians celebrate as “Boxing Day,” Trump referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "Governor" of Canada and suggested that if Canada became the 51st state, its taxes would be reduced by "more than 60%," businesses would "immediately double in size," and it would receive exceptional military protection.

It’s easy to laugh off these …