Ontario Premier Doug Ford took a swipe at President Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state by firing back with a cheeky counteroffer: buying Alaska and Minnesota instead. Ford’s comments, delivered with a mix of humor and defiance, underscore the tension and theatrics surrounding the U.S.-Canada relationship in the wake of Trump’s provocative remarks.
“You know something, to the president I’ll make him a counteroffer: How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” Ford quipped, adding, “He may be joking, but under my watch, that will never, ever happen.” The statement was part of a larger response to Trump’s earlier suggestion, which followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
Ford, speaking on CNN later, clarified that his remarks were tongue-in-cheek but doubled down on Canada’s sovereignty. “We’re a sovereign country. We’re proud Canadians, just like Americans are proud,” he said. While acknowledging Trump’s penchant for humor, Ford stressed that annexation was “not realistic” and vowed to maintain Canada’s independence under his leadership.
Trump’s suggestion that Canada could merge with the U.S. included promises of economic benefits, such as eliminating tariffs and reducing taxes. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” Trump said, continuing to frame his comments in grandiose terms.
Doug Ford says neither Canada nor Ontario will never be an American state.
Shows ridiculousness of Trump’s comments by saying we should buy Alaska and Minnesota.— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) January 6, 2025
Ford, however, wasn’t buying it. Instead, he emphasized Canada’s contributions to the U.S., particularly in energy and critical minerals. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties while respecting each nation’s independence. “What I want to do is make sure that we build a fortress Am-Can, making sure that we’re the strongest and the richest, and the most prosperous two countries in the entire world,” Ford said.
The exchange comes against a backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. Trump’s earlier tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel exports—and Canada’s retaliatory duties—remain sore points. While Ford dismissed the idea of annexation as a joke, his comments reflect a broader unease about Trump’s influence and unpredictability.
With Trudeau stepping down, Canada faces political uncertainty, but Ford’s sharp response suggests the country won’t be entertaining any serious discussions about merging with its southern neighbor—no matter how much humor is sprinkled into the proposal.
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