President-elect Donald Trump’s vision of Canada becoming the 51st state has sparked ridicule from an unlikely critic: Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party and a rising star of MAGA-style politics north of the border.
In a pointed rebuke on X, Poilievre declared Canada a “great and independent country,” flipping Trump’s iconic slogan by insisting a government under his leadership would prioritize “Canada First.” The statement landed like a thunderclap, especially given Poilievre’s reputation as a staunch ally of the global right and a darling of Trumpworld.
Poilievre draws a line
Known for his crusade against “wokeism” and his fiery, populist rhetoric, Poilievre has often been seen as Canada’s MAGA-lite figurehead. Yet even he balked at Trump’s musings about annexing Canada. “Weak and pathetic leadership from Justin Trudeau has given Trump an opening to make these ridiculous claims,” Poilievre posted, taking aim at Canada’s outgoing prime minister while distancing himself from Trump’s idea.
Poilievre’s sharp retort follows a string of endorsements from US conservatives, including billionaire Elon Musk, who called Poilievre’s economic policies “perfectly articulated.” But while he courts favor in Trumpworld, Poilievre has drawn the line at giving up Canada’s sovereignty.
Trudeau fires back
Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, already battered by internal dissent and plummeting poll numbers, joined the fray on Tuesday with a defiant message: “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Trudeau, who announced this week he will step down once his Liberal Party elects a successor, has faced mounting criticism over his handling of housing and inflation crises. His deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, recently resigned, accusing him of failing to address Trump’s aggressive, protectionist policies.
Trump has taken repeated shots at Trudeau, mockingly calling him “Governor” in social media posts and even suggesting he might use “economic force” to integrate Canada into the US.
A divided Canada faces Trump’s pressure
With wild speculation about a “Canadian takeover” swirling, Trump’s provocations have thrown Canada into political turmoil. Poilievre is widely expected to replace Trudeau as prime minister in the next federal election, but his refusal to entertain Trump’s 51st state rhetoric underscores his attempt to strike a balance between courting populist support and protecting national pride.
Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric has only intensified. At a press conference on Tuesday, he doubled down: “Canada is practically ours already. Why not make it official?”
