Post Reports: Why is Trump So Obsessed with Canada?
Hosted by Colby Ekowitz and Martine Powers
Released on March 24, 2025

Introduction

In the March 24, 2025 episode of Post Reports, hosted by Colby Ekowitz and Martine Powers, the Washington Post delves into the perplexing obsession former President Donald Trump has developed with Canada. The hosts explore the origins, motivations, and implications of Trump's repeated declarations to make Canada the 51st state of the United States. This detailed analysis uncovers the multifaceted reasons behind this unusual political stance and examines its impact on both American and Canadian politics.

Trump's Growing Fixation on Canada

[00:02 - 00:35]
The episode begins with Colby Ekowitz highlighting Trump's recent remarks about Canada, including his proposition to annex the nation as the 51st state. "He wants to make it the 51st state," Ekowitz notes, referencing Trump's interview with Laura Ingraham. Commentator Kevin O'Leary is quoted saying, "Canada was meant to be the 51st state," expressing skepticism about the feasibility and necessity of such an action.

Envisioning Canada as a high school drama figure, Ekowitz humorously likens the situation to Regina George from Mean Girls, questioning Trump's fixation. This sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the phenomenon.

Tracing the Origins of Trump's Interest

[01:24 - 03:28]
Martine Powers discusses the initial steps taken to understand when Trump's obsession began. She explains that during Trump's first term, neither public nor private communications suggested any intention to annex Canada. "No one is talking about this except for President Trump," she emphasizes.

Tracing the idea back to a dinner in early December with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Powers notes that Trump first referred to Canada as the 51st state and mistakenly called Trudeau "Governor Trudeau"—a move perceived as insulting. "Canadians after that were like, this was just Trump joking," Powers remarks. However, the rhetoric intensified from December into January, with Trump persistently repeating the notion both on Truth Social and in interviews.

Rationale Behind the 51st State Proposal

[03:28 - 04:38]
Trump's arguments for making Canada the 51st state evolve over time. Initially presented humorously, his rhetoric becomes more serious and structured. "He's kind of explaining, okay, here's how it would work," Powers explains, outlining Trump's claims that annexation would:

• Enhance military defenses
• Reduce taxes for Canadians
• Boost the American economy

Kevin O'Leary adds skepticism by questioning the practicality and economic burden: "Why should we subsidize another country for $200 billion? It cost us $200 billion a year." These contrasting viewpoints highlight the debate over the feasibility and desirability of such a move.

Responses from the White House and Republican Lawmakers

[04:43 - 11:11]
Powers reveals that the White House maintains Trump's idea is original and in the national interest. Despite internal Republican confusion, no policy efforts appear to be underway. "Republican lawmakers say they haven't heard anything about this being a serious thing," she notes, citing concerns over electoral implications, as Canada is generally more progressive and may not align with Republican constituencies.

The discussion introduces Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor, and Kevin O'Leary, a Canadian businessman on Shark Tank, as potential influencers advocating closer US-Canada ties. O'Leary himself states, "If you figured out a way to put these two countries together, it would be the most powerful country on Earth." However, Powers underscores that these are merely theories without concrete evidence linking them directly to Trump's motivations.

Practical Implications of Annexing Canada

[11:11 - 12:36]
The practicality of annexing Canada is addressed, with Powers pointing out the absurdity of military invasion and the lack of logistical plans. "It's really absurd to imagine how that would work," she states. Canadian officials express concerns that the US trade war aims to economically weaken Canada, potentially forcing them to consider closer ties out of desperation.

Trump's specific claims, such as reducing Canadian taxes and improving military capabilities, are scrutinized. Powers references inaccurate statistics cited by Trump, particularly the exaggerated "$200 billion trade deficit with Canada," which is actually a fraction of the true deficits the US faces with countries like China and Germany. She concludes that Trump's framing lacks credibility and appears to be a strategic misrepresentation.

Impact on Canadian Politics

[18:15 - 20:27]
The conversation shifts to the political fallout in Canada, especially with an upcoming election. Powers observes that Trump's attacks have unexpectedly benefited Canada's Liberal Party, with new leader Mark Carney affirming, "We will never become Americans." Conversely, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, leverages the situation to position themselves as the strong opposition to Trump, emphasizing Canadian sovereignty. "Donald Trump is attacking Canadian families, workers, and businesses, and we cannot let him succeed," Poilievre declares.

This dynamic has become a central theme in Canadian political discourse, uniting parties and voters against perceived external threats, thereby reshaping the electoral landscape.

Public Perception and Reactions in Canada

[20:40 - 22:18]
Martine Powers shares insights into the Canadian public's reactions, noting that Canadians view Trump's comments as personal to him rather than reflective of American sentiment. However, there is a growing sense of disrespect and fear regarding US intentions. This has led to increased patriotic displays, such as more Canadian flags and a heightened awareness of the origin of products.

Powers highlights a generational shift, where trust in the US-Canada relationship has deteriorated among ordinary Canadians. "There is a profound trust that has been broken," she states, suggesting long-term implications for bilateral relations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader implications of Trump's rhetoric. Colby Ekowitz underscores the unusual nature of Trump's declarations and their potential to strain a historically warm relationship between the US and Canada. The analysis provided by Martine Powers offers a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and social dimensions influenced by Trump's fixation on making Canada the 51st state.

Notable Quotes

• Colby Ekowitz [00:02]: "In the past few weeks, Trump has been talking a lot about Canada. He wants to make it the 51st state."
• Kevin O'Leary [00:15]: "Canada was meant to be the 51st state."
• Martine Powers [01:24]: "This is so weird."
• Kevin O'Leary [03:43]: "Keeping O Canada, the national anthem. I love it. I think it's great. Keep it. But it'll be, for this day, one of our greatest states."
• Martine Powers [05:17]: "This would be an electoral loss for Republicans because it would be a more progressive, quote, unquote, state coming in."
• Kevin O'Leary [10:06]: "If you figured out a way to put these two countries together, it would be the most powerful country on Earth."
• Mark Carney [18:37]: "We will never become Americans."
• Pierre Poilievre [19:25]: "The Americans want our resources, our water, our land. Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form."

Implications and Future Outlook

The episode exposes the complexities and potential ramifications of Trump's statements on international relations and domestic politics in both countries. As the Canadian election approaches, the narrative around sovereignty and national identity is poised to play a crucial role, influenced significantly by external political pressures.

Post Reports continues to monitor developments, including related geopolitical maneuvers such as the Second Lady Usha Vance's trip to Greenland amid Trump's interest in the island. This ongoing coverage underscores the evolving nature of US-Canada relations under Trump's administration.

For more in-depth coverage, visit the Washington Post's Post Reports page.