CNN political commentator Van Jones weighed in on President-elect Trump's idea of proposing Canada to become the 51st state, saying that if that were to happen, America's northern neighbor would be a “huge blue state.” He argued that it would become a state.
“I don't understand why anyone would be upset with President Trump about this,” the expert told CNN's “Newsnight” on Monday.
“If Trump — I'm serious. If Trump wants to make Canada 51st.” [state]it’s going to be a huge blue state,” he told the panel.
Conservative commentator Scott Jennings seemed to agree, saying he was retracting his “previous statements” on the subject.
“That's true. I don't think Mr. Trump is thinking deeply about this,” continued Jones, who previously served as an adviser to former President Barack Obama. “First of all, it would be great to have a huge blue state.”
“They have a great health system. If Canada wants to come here and help us, it's great that we're listening. I couldn't be happier.” he added.
The discussion on the topic came just hours after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation after nine years and hours after President Trump floated the idea of merging the United States and Canada into one country. According to the president-elect, if that happens, tariffs between the two North American countries would be reduced.
“If Canada merged with the United States, there would be no tariffs, significantly lower taxes, and we would be completely safe from the threat of Russian and Chinese shipping that surrounds Canada at all times,” President Trump said on Truth Social on Monday. Ta. “What a wonderful country we will be together!!!”
Last year, President Trump threatened Canada with a 25% tariff on imports from Canada unless it tightened border security and curbed the flow of fentanyl into the United States from the country's northern border. Prime Minister Trudeau said tariffs would complicate cooperation between the two countries.
The president-elect also trolled Trudeau after a late November meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, calling the Liberal leader the “governor” of Canada.
Canada has a general election scheduled for later this year.
