Canada’s US Ambassador Declares Trump’s Remarks on a 51st State Are History

May 9, 2025 TruthUSA

The U.S. President Donald Trump has effectively laid to rest the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, according to the country’s ambassador to Canada.

During a recent meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra noted it was an opportunity to move past that issue, as he shared with the National Post.

In recent months, Trump has frequently suggested that Canada might be better off as part of the United States. Hoekstra, who participated in the initial face-to-face meeting between Trump and Carney, mentioned the president is shifting away from such remarks.

“It’s done,” the ambassador declared. “From my perspective and the president’s, the idea of the 51st state is not returning. While the president may occasionally mention it, he realizes it won’t happen unless the prime minister engages with him.”

Trump informed reporters during his meeting with Carney in the Oval Office that discussions regarding Canada’s independence were not on the agenda, although he still expressed a desire for Canada to join the United States when reporters brought it up.

Trump reiterated his previous statements about the “artificially drawn line” that divides the two nations, adding that such a merger would be “a wonderful marriage.”

Carney subsequently highlighted Trump’s background in real estate, stating that not all properties—particularly Canada—are “for sale.”

“It’s not for sale. It won’t ever be for sale,” Carney asserted, to which Trump replied, “Never say never.”

After their discussions, which included a private working lunch with senior administration officials, Carney was queried by reporters about whether he had requested the president refrain from mentioning Canadian sovereignty.

When asked about Trump’s response to his request, Carney said, “Well, I don’t know. He’s the president; he has his own thoughts.”

Noting the president’s remarks about the 51st state during their meeting, Hoekstra expressed confidence that the issue has been settled.

“The president made it clear that it takes two to engage,” he stated. “That’s behind us. It was never an obstacle to discussing other matters. Now we can begin to build the framework.”

Canada and the U.S.: ‘Great Friends’

Hoekstra is new to the position of ambassador to Canada, having been sworn in on April 15 and receiving his credentials from Governor General Mary Simon on April 29. Previously, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands and chaired the Michigan Republican Party during the last U.S. election.

During the interview, Hoekstra emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, stating that the U.S. has always considered Canada a close ally.

“We are great friends. We have maintained that friendship for a long time. Those personal relationships and economic ties, particularly related to national security, will not change. They were never at risk,” he noted.

“Are we trying to move past what has transpired in the last 90 days? Yes, we are. However, the relationship, in my view and I believe in the president’s view, was never at stake.”

U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum continue, as well as on goods and auto parts that do not comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. Hoekstra acknowledged existing challenges in the economic relationship but asserted that Trump is not specifically targeting Canada.

He described Trump’s approach as one that respects the commitments made during his re-election campaign last November, ensuring that the U.S. is not taken advantage of in international trade, while also adopting a global perspective on these issues.

“When you adopt a global approach, yes, Canada is included in that,” Hoekstra remarked. “Some have not favored this strategy, but it aligns with the commitments the president has made, and he is following through on them.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.

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