Canadians Vote Amid Trump’s Controversial Annexation Remarks

OTTAWA, Canada — As Canadians cast their votes in a pivotal election on April 28, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed President Donald Trump‘s controversial assertion that Canada would be better off as the 51st U.S. state. The remarks came shortly after Trump claimed he was serious about the issue and not ‘trolling.’

During an appearance on “Meet the Press,” Rubio recounted a past conversation where Trump quoted former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as saying Canada could not survive without ‘unfair trade’ with the United States. Rubio summarized Trump’s stance, stating: ‘If you can’t survive as a nation without treating us unfairly in trade, then you should become a state.’

Host Michelle Welker pressed Rubio on whether there were any policy steps taken toward annexation, to which he offered no specifics. Instead, he reiterated Trump’s view, saying, ‘I think the president has stated repeatedly he thinks Canada would be better off as a state.’

Earlier in March, Rubio had referred to Trump’s annexation comments as a mere ‘disagreement’ between the two nations, emphasizing the differing perspectives of America and the Canadian government. These comments surfaced in an environment of rapidly deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations, following remarks from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who labeled the traditional friendship ‘over’ amid rising tensions.

In the lead-up to the election, Trump also urged Canadians to vote for him, promising economic benefits if Canada joined the U.S. ‘Elect the man who has the strength to cut your taxes and quadruple your businesses if Canada becomes the 51st state,’ he proclaimed.

As Canadians approached the ballot box, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre took a strong stance against Trump’s interference, stating, ‘President Trump, stay out of our election. The future of Canada is determined by Canadians at the ballot box.’ Poilievre emphasized national pride and independence, declaring, ‘We will NEVER be the 51st state.’

Results from an Abacus Data poll indicated that Carney’s Liberal Party was leading with 41% support against Poilievre’s Conservatives at 39%, but it remained uncertain if they would secure a majority in Parliament. Voting in Canada is being closely watched not only for its immediate results but also for its implications regarding U.S.-Canada relations in a contentious political atmosphere.