Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh has issued a bold warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump suggested that the United States should acquire Canada, the Panama Canal, and Greenland. In a video posted on X, Singh made it clear that any attempt to “pick a fight” with Canada would come with serious consequences.
Trump, ahead of his inauguration, proposed that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. He also claimed that Canada would benefit from joining the U.S., citing subsidies from the U.S. to Canada, which he suggested amounted to $100 million annually. Trump further emphasized that Canadians would save on taxes and military expenses if they became part of the U.S.
In response to these comments, Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, issued a firm statement on Sunday. In the video, he said, “This is not for sale, not now, and not ever.” He expressed his pride in being Canadian and reassured viewers that Canadians are united in their resolve to protect their sovereignty. “We’re good neighbours, but if you pick a fight with Canada, there will be a price to pay,” Singh warned, referencing the nation’s proud spirit and its recent solidarity in the face of natural disasters like wildfires.
Singh also suggested that Canada could retaliate with tariffs if Trump decided to impose trade restrictions. “If Donald Trump thinks he can pick a fight with us, there’ll be a price to pay,” he added, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to defend Canada’s interests.
Trump’s comments have sparked significant backlash, not just in Canada, but also from various quarters in the U.S. He has previously threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports unless both countries take stronger action on immigration and the illegal drug trade.
Singh’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension over Trump’s rhetoric and his disregard for international diplomacy, especially with one of the U.S.’s closest allies.
