White House press secretary Carolyn Levitt said US President Donald Trump still maintains his position in favor of Canada joining the United States as the latter’s 51st state.
When asked why Trump had not mentioned Canada as the “51st state” for a long time, Levitt pointed out at a press conference: “The president still sticks to his position on Canada: the United States subsidizes Canada’s defense capabilities. He still believes that Canadians will benefit greatly if Canada becomes the 51st state of the United States.”
Speaking about possible tariff negotiations with Canada, she stressed that Trump has taken a “flexible approach” and that he puts the interests of the American people first.
Trump has repeatedly advocated for Canada to join the United States, noting that the northern neighbor does not spend enough on defense and looks to Washington for protection. Trump has also said that if Canada joins the United States as the 51st state, it can avoid Washington’s trade tariffs and gain military protection.
