Rubio Defends Trump’s Canada as 51st State Comments Amid Trade Tensions [Video]

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump‘s repeated suggestions and interest in annexing Canada during a Sunday interview on NBC News’ Meet the Press.

Newsweek reached out to the White House and State Department via email on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

Trump has publicly called for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state multiple times throughout his 2024 campaign and since taking office on January 20. The comments have escalated tensions between the longtime allies, particularly as they come alongside new tariffs on Canadian imports.

What To Know

The origin of Trump’s Canada annexation comments appears to trace back to conversations with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

When pushed by host Kristen Welkeron whether the U.S. still wants to make Canada the 51st state, Rubio replied, “I think the president has stated repeatedly he thinks Canada would be better off as a state,” adding that these comments stemmed …