Trump’s “Joke” About Canada Isn’t Funny
I was wondering what to write about tonight when this story popped up:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeua-poilievre-leader-briefing-mar-a-lago-1.7399534
Trump, apparently “joking,” suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state. Trudeau and his entourage were reportedly uncomfortable, but later, when back in Canada, they quickly leapt to Trump’s defence. Apparently, it was “clearly” a joke.
But then Trump posted this gem:
I was concerned when Prime Minister Trudeau decided to go to Mar-a-Lago so quickly after Trump’s threat of massive tariffs on imports from Canada. To me, it seemed weak—too much like supplication and appeasement. Remember, I believe Trump’s grievances are invented out of whole cloth, with very little basis in reality, and are used to justify imposing tariffs without recourse to Congress. Despite this, I genuinely hope it proves to have been the right decision—it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been wrong.
However, with his post on Truth Social (above), Trump seems to have doubled down. After all, invading Canada is a recurring theme among MAGA commentators, including Tucker Carlson. These “jokes” often carry a dark undertone, usually aimed at Prime Minister Trudeau, who is derided as a communist, and at the idea that Canada needs liberating from “tyranny.”
It would all seem like fantasy if it weren’t for the fact that Trump’s inner circle is littered with people who use this exact type of language. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture a “special military operation” to “liberate” a country that, in MAGA’s view, shouldn’t exist anyway.
To be clear, I don’t actually believe there’s a serious threat. Instead, it’s a symptom of the type of bullying isolationism we can expect from a Trump administration. It will be one where “jokes” about the use of force are commonplace, and where economic threats are part of the discourse. Thus far, I am not convinced that Canada has recognized this shift in the U.S. outlook or that we’re prepared to play hardball. Indeed, some provincial leaders are essentially adopting the U.S. position, so strong is their hatred of Ottawa.
Without a more robust and decisive approach, I fear this type of bullying will become the norm over the next four years, and all Canadians will pay the price. Canada must be prepared to stand firm against economic threats and rhetoric that undermines our sovereignty, even if disguised as “jokes.”
This sentiment is echoed in a post from Mike Cernovich, a MAGA-supporting right-wing commentator with thousands of followers. His recent remarks are a stark reminder of the mindset driving these narratives and the seriousness with which they are embraced by some in Trump’s sphere. It’s a sobering glimpse into what we may face if these attitudes gain further traction.
Canadians must recognize these signs for what they are—not harmless banter, but a reflection of a worldview that thrives on undermining allies and inflaming divisions. If we fail to respond decisively, we risk normalizing a relationship where bullying and coercion take centre stage.
I'm sure many will comment on this fuck'n idea, but as a Canadian I want no part of the US on our soil!
As you know, Americans believed they would be welcomed as liberators in 1775 and 1812, too. British regulars and Canadian militia showed them how wrong they were.
Interesting how he says the quiet part out loud, though: the only way that “right wing” (as opposed to centre-right) governments are elected is by limiting choice to the extremes.