Written by David Langston.
Donald Trump, fresh off his presidential victory, is making headlines again—and this time, it’s not about border walls or trade deals. Nope, he’s aiming higher (or maybe colder): integrating Canada into the United States. Yes, you read that right. Trump is hosting discussions at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, about the possibility of our neighbors to the north joining the Union.
Kevin O’Leary, the Canadian businessman and reality TV star of Shark Tank fame, recently spilled the beans during an interview with Fox News. O’Leary confirmed that he’s been part of these talks, which Trump teased on his social media platform, Truth Social. In a post, Trump suggested Canada becoming the 51st state could mean “no tariffs, lower taxes, and total security from Russian and Chinese threats.” Throw in a combined economy, and Trump thinks we’d be unstoppable.
But this isn’t just about economics or military strength. For O’Leary, it’s a chance to rethink what North America could be. “The world’s tough right now,” he said. “Most Canadians would be open to exploring a union, as long as they don’t lose their sovereignty.” Of course, that’s a pretty big “as long as.”
Canucks, Currency, and Combined Leadership
One of the “low-hanging fruit” ideas on the table? A shared currency. O’Leary suggested merging the Bank of Canada with the Federal Reserve to streamline economic policies. Imagine: no more conversion rates when you’re buying maple syrup in Montreal or visiting Banff. But while the idea might sound convenient, it’s also a bit…ambitious. Canadians have always been proud of their loonies and toonies, and handing over control to the Fed might not sit well.
O’Leary also urged Trump to give Canadians time to elect a new leader—presumably someone more aligned with this vision. “Just like you got re-elected,” O’Leary told Trump, “they need someone with a four-year mandate to move forward.” A diplomatic nudge? Maybe. But it also underscores the reality that Canada’s current leadership isn’t exactly on board with merging flags and anthems.
And in true dealmaker fashion, O’Leary came prepared with another pitch: a plan for the U.S. to buy TikTok from its Chinese owners. He said Trump would be key to sealing the deal, ensuring the social media platform’s security while keeping it in North American hands. Talk about multitasking—uniting two nations and reshaping global tech policy in one go.
Big Dreams, Bigger Questions
Let’s not kid ourselves: merging two countries isn’t as simple as combining banks or currencies. There’s culture, history, and, well, a whole lot of people who might have opinions about this. Canadians are famously polite, but even they might draw the line at losing their national identity. And what about healthcare? Canadians are proud of their universal system—would they trade it for the more fragmented U.S. model?
Then there’s the issue of governance. Would Canada get a handful of new stars on the American flag, or would it retain some autonomy? These aren’t just logistical details; they’re fundamental questions about what it means to be Canadian or American.
Still, Trump’s idea has sparked some interesting conversations. The world is changing fast, and regional alliances are becoming more important. Whether or not this particular vision ever comes to pass, it’s clear that leaders are thinking big—sometimes really big—about what’s next for North America.
Our Take
The idea of Canada joining the U.S. might sound intriguing to some, but it’s fraught with challenges that go far beyond trade or military alliances. Losing national sovereignty is a big deal, and it’s not something Canadians are likely to embrace lightly. Meanwhile, for Americans, this could mean taking on a whole new set of responsibilities—and let’s be honest, we’ve got plenty on our plate already.
This proposal feels less like a serious policy plan and more like an oversized idea tossed into the mix to stir conversation. And while there’s nothing wrong with thinking outside the box, these kinds of headline-grabbing notions can distract from more immediate issues. For now, this might be best left as dinner-table debate fodder rather than a roadmap for the future.
