Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial annexation threats against Canada, appearing to mock King Charles’s defence of Canadian sovereignty by suggesting the nation could avoid paying billions for missile defence by becoming America’s 51st state.
The President’s latest provocation came just hours after the King delivered a pointed speech to Canada’s Parliament emphasising the country would remain “strong and free” – a clear rebuke to Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should join the United States.
In a typically bombastic social media post, Trump wrote that Canada would have to pay “$61 Billion Dollars” to join his proposed “Golden Dome missile programme” if it remained independent, but “ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State.”
He added, remarkably: “They are considering the offer!”
The extraordinary exchange represents a new low in US-Canada relations and puts the White House directly at odds with the British monarch, who serves as Canada’s head of state.
King Charles, invited to address Parliament by new Prime Minister Mark Carney specifically to counter Trump’s rhetoric, had carefully avoided mentioning the US President by name but left no doubt about his message.
The Truth North is indeed strong and free,” the King declared, using Canada’s patriotic nickname while acknowledging the nation’s “anxieties” about a “changing world” – a clear reference to Trump’s increasingly aggressive stance.
The timing of Trump’s response suggested he’d taken the royal intervention as a personal challenge, despite his own ambassador to Canada insisting just days ago that the annexation talk was “over.
“This is absolutely extraordinary,” said Dr Margaret Whitfield, a specialist in Commonwealth relations at McGill University. You have the King of Canada essentially telling the President of the United States to back off, and Trump responding by upping the ante. It’s unprecedented.”
Canadian MPs from across the political spectrum reacted with fury to Trump’s latest comments, particularly his claim that Canadians were “considering” joining the United States.
“This is delusional,” thundered Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. “No Canadian is considering becoming American. We fought wars to stay independent and we’ll do it again if necessary.”
Prime Minister Carney, who orchestrated the King’s visit, called Trump’s response “deeply disrespectful to both Canada and His Majesty.
The President seems to think international relations is a real estate deal,” Carney said. He’s about to learn Canada cannot be bought, bullied, or browbeaten.
The missile defence claim added a new dimension to Trump’s annexation threats. While details of the “Golden Dome” programme remain unclear, the suggestion that Canada would need to pay $61 billion for protection raised immediate questions.
“This sounds like a protection racket,” said former Canadian Defence Minister Patricia Chen. “Pay us billions or become a state? That’s not how alliances work. That’s how the mob works.”
Trump’s claim directly contradicted his own ambassador, Pete Hoekstra, who had told CBC’s The House just days earlier that the administration had “too much on our plate” to pursue annexation talks.
Donald Trump is not talking about it,” Hoekstra had insisted, comments that now look remarkably ill-timed.
The ambassador had even suggested the King’s visit was unnecessary, saying there were “easier ways to send messages” to Washington. Trump’s response suggests those easier ways might not have been sufficient.
Royal watchers noted the unusual nature of the monarch wading into such a contemporary political dispute. While the King’s role is largely ceremonial, his position as Canada’s head of state gave his words particular weight.
Charles chose his words very carefully to stay within constitutional bounds while sending an unmistakable message,” explained royal biographer Anthony Holden. “Trump’s response shows he got that message – and didn’t like it.
The exchange has created a diplomatic nightmare for both British and American officials. The UK, trying to maintain its “special relationship” with Washington while supporting a Commonwealth realm, finds itself in an impossible position.
British Foreign Office sources, speaking anonymously, expressed “deep concern” about Trump attacking the King’s statement. “This puts us in an extraordinarily difficult position,” one senior diplomat admitted.
Canadian social media exploded with mockery of Trump’s “they are considering the offer” claim. The hashtag #NotYour51stState began trending within minutes, with Canadians posting increasingly creative rejections of American annexation.
“I’d rather be the 11th province of France,” one user joked, while another suggested: “If we’re joining anyone, it’s Finland. At least they have healthcare and education figured out.”
The timing is particularly sensitive given ongoing trade negotiations between the US and Canada. Trump has already threatened tariffs on Canadian goods, and this latest provocation could derail talks entirely.
How do you negotiate with someone who thinks you should just cease to exist as a country?” asked trade expert Jennifer Morris. “This isn’t hardball negotiation – it’s insanity.”
Military analysts questioned Trump’s missile defence claims, noting that Canada already contributes to continental defence through NORAD and questioning where the $61 billion figure originated.
“This number appears to be plucked from thin air,” said defence analyst Colonel James Richardson (ret.). “Canada already pays its share for continental defence. This is pure intimidation.”
The controversy has even divided Trump’s own party, with several Republican senators distancing themselves from the annexation rhetoric.
“Canada is our closest ally and friend,” Senator Mike Thomson said carefully. “These kinds of statements don’t help anyone.”
For King Charles, the episode marks an unusual foray into contemporary geopolitics. Palace sources suggest he felt compelled to act given his constitutional role and the seriousness of Trump’s threats.
“His Majesty takes his duties to the Commonwealth realms very seriously,” one source said. When one of those realms faces existential threats, he must speak.
The Canadian Parliament gave the King multiple standing ovations during his address, a warmth that contrasted sharply with Trump’s combative response.
As night fell in Ottawa, Canadians gathered on Parliament Hill in an impromptu show of national unity, singing the national anthem and waving flags – a scene reminiscent of the country’s 150th birthday celebrations.
“Trump can tweet all he wants,” said Ottawa resident Marie Tremblay, wrapped in a Canadian flag. “We know who we are. We’re Canadian, we’re free, and we’re not for sale at any price.”
With Trump showing no signs of backing down and Canada unified in rejection, the stage is set for continued tensions. The King’s intervention, rather than calming waters, appears to have prompted an escalation.
As one exhausted diplomat put it: “We thought the adults had entered the room when the King spoke. Turns out, we’re still dealing with a toddler having a tantrum.”
