Trump Renews Call for Canada to Become the 51st U.S. State

(President Donald Trump. Photo by CTV News)

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for Canada to become the 51st state, complaining about trade tariffs and saying Canada treats the U.S. unfairly.

He spoke at a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Wednesday, October 14.

Trump said Canada "treats us very badly" and criticised its tariffs on milk and other goods.

He also complained about companies moving factories to the U.S.

"They'll end up being the 51st state, because that's the only way it works," he said.

"We don't need them, but they need us."

He questioned why the US should lose billions of dollars supporting Canada.

He also said Canadian territory "just adds to our beautiful plate," an apparent reference to his earlier remarks about Greenland.

The comments come amid rising trade tensions.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said remarks by Canadian politicians about retaliatory tariffs could count as "election interference" ahead of the US midterms in November.

Canada has repeatedly rejected the idea of joining the U.S.

In September, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans for border signs declaring the province "never the 51st state."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also pushed back, saying Canada's sovereignty is not for sale.

"I can tell President Trump that will never, ever happen," Ford said.