President Donald Trump mentioned during a political rally on October 19 that Canada could retain ice hockey and its national anthem if it became the 51st U.S. state.
Trump quickly clarified that he was “kidding” before turning to criticism of trade relations between the two countries.
“No, we’re only kidding. We’re having a good time,” he told supporters.
Trump Comments on Canadian Statehood
During his speech, Trump suggested that Canada could become part of the United States while keeping hockey and its national anthem, “O Canada,” which he said could serve as a state anthem.
He also commented on the U.S.-Canada border, referring to its long straight sections and suggesting they had been drawn with a ruler. His remarks followed previous statements in which he had raised the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Trade Figures Differ From Trump’s Claims
Trump also criticized Canada’s trade relationship with the United States, claiming that Washington loses approximately $90 billion annually. However, official figures from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative show a smaller deficit. In 2025, the United States recorded a goods trade deficit of $48.3 billion with Canada, partly offset by a services trade surplus of $27.7 billion. Total bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $872.3 billion that year.
The two countries maintain extensive economic ties, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors, and trade under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which entered into force in July 2020.
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