US President-elect Donald Trump's repeated calls to annex Canada as the 51st state have prompted a sharp and humorous response from Canadian leaders. Fox News host Jesse Watters, meanwhile, amplified these remarks, suggesting that Canadians should see annexation as a privilege.
Watters' comments on Tuesday, echoed Trump's earlier pronouncements of annexation ambitions, including desires to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal. Trump's remarks were accompanied by suggestions of using military and economic force.
Canadian leaders have responded with a mix of pointed counter-proposals. Ontario Premier Doug Ford jokingly suggested purchasing Alaska and Minnesota. This lighthearted ribbing highlights the politically charged nature of the US President-elect's proposals.
While Watters lauded Trump's stance as a display of "flexing his muscle," Canadian leaders have consistently rejected the idea of annexation. Ford, in particular, asserted that Canada is not for sale, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two countries.
The back-and-forth exchanges underscore the contentious political climate and the differing perspectives on potential territorial disputes. While Trump's proposals have drawn criticism, Watters' advocacy for annexation continues to highlight a divide.
Canadian politicians like Green Party leader Elizabeth May have used the opportunity to highlight the contrast in social policies between the nations, effectively criticizing the proposed annexation while mocking Trump's claims. May's remarks also contrasted the US and Canadian healthcare systems.
