In a live press conference held today from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump painted a sobering picture of Canada’s military vulnerabilities, arguing that the country is dangerously exposed to growing threats from Russian and Chinese warships. Trump’s comments underscored what he views as Canada’s overreliance on the United States for defense while contributing little in return.
Take a look at what’s going on out there (Canada), you have Russian ships, you have Chinese ships, you have a lot of ships out there, and you know, people are in danger. This is a different world. Today it’s a different world.
President Donald Trump
“I’ve Had a Good Relationship with President Putin and President Xi”
The President also highlighted his own ties to Russia and China.
“I’ve had a good relationship with President Putin, I’ve had a good relationship with President Xi.”
Despite referencing positive relations with these leaders, Trump warned that Canada might not enjoy the same level of security, hinting that the United States may not step in to protect its northern neighbor without changes in policy.
“People Are in Danger”
Speaking before reporters at the White House, Trump insisted that Canada lacks sufficient defenses to counter modern security challenges.
“Take a look at what’s going on out there (Canada), you have Russian ships, you have Chinese ships, you have a lot of ships out there, and you know, people are in danger. This is a different world. Today it’s a different world.”
He added that Canada does not adequately fund its military, implying this shortfall leaves Canada vulnerable.
“They don’t have any military protection because they essentially don’t spend enough.”
Canada “Very Bad” on Trade
Trump did not focus solely on defense. He also criticized Canada’s trade approach, calling it “very bad” for American interests.
“We just don’t need their product. And yet, they survive off the fact that we’re, you know, we do 95% of what they do,”
he said, reinforcing his long-standing argument that Canada takes unfair advantage of its relationship with the U.S.
Potential 51st State?
Trump further reiterated his claim that Canada could benefit from becoming the U.S.’s 51st state, a remark that is likely to provoke strong reactions on both sides of the border.
“Canada is going to be a very serious contender to be our 51st state,”
he declared, claiming that Canadians would pay lower taxes and gain stronger protection under U.S. governance.
He also questioned why the U.S. would provide hefty subsidies for another nation:
“Why would we pay $200 billion a year in subsidies to Canada when they’re not a state?”
Referring to Prime Minister as “Governor Trudeau”
In yet another slight—or slip—President Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau,” a term he has used multiple times before. He mentioned discussing tariffs with Trudeau, but noted that negotiations remain ongoing.
A Heated International Issue
President Trump’s warnings have sparked immediate debate over Canada’s defense posture and trade obligations. Some observers view his remarks as a call for Canada to increase its military spending, while others interpret them as a political maneuver aimed at pressuring Canada to yield on trade matters.
Either way, the live comments from the Oval Office set the stage for an escalating dialogue—one that centers on pressing questions about security, sovereignty, and economic fairness.
He further reiterated his claim that Canada could benefit from becoming the U.S.’s 51st state, a remark that is likely to provoke strong reactions from both American and Canadian citizens.
I’ve had a good relationship with President Putin, I’ve had a good relationship with President Xi.
President Donald Trump
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Transcript of President Trump’s Remarks on Canada
[On Trade]
“Canada has been very bad to us on trade, but now Canada is going to have to start paying up. And Canada has been tough on the military because they don’t have a very—they have a very low military cost. They think we’re going to, you know, protect them with our military, which is unfair. So Canada is going to be a very interesting situation, because, you know, we just don’t need their product. And yet, they survive off the fact that we’re, you know, we do 95% of what they do.
[Why Canada Might Become the 51st State]
“And Canada is just absolutely, I say it, and sometimes people smile, and sometimes they say, great idea, but Canada would—their taxes would come down greatly, their security would go up greatly. Amazing things happen to Canada. And really Canada in this particular—why would we pay $200 billion a year in subsidies to Canada when they’re not a state? You do that for a state, but you don’t do that for somebody else’s country. So I think Canada is going to be a very serious contender to be our 51st state ongoing with Canada.
“There was obviously a delay in implementing those tariffs. I spoke to Governor Trudeau on numerous occasions, and we’ll see what happens. But it just sets up so good for them. Look, the people would pay much less tax than they’re paying right now. They’d have perfect military protection.
[Military Concerns & Urgency]
“They don’t have any military protection because they essentially because, and you take a look at what’s going on out there, you have Russian ships, you have China ships, you have Chinese ships, you have a lot of ships out there, and you know, people are in danger. This is a different world. Today it’s a different world.
