Actor William Shatner recently hinted at a “counter offer” from Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, aimed at persuading President Donald Trump to consider making Canada the 51st state of the U.S. In a response from the Oval Office, Trump remarked that he had “never sold” Canada and had “never said” anything about it.
“I’ve dabbled a bit in real estate, so I think I’ll mention this to Carney,” Shatner told Jesse Watters on “Jesse Watters Primetime.” He suggested offering Canada as the 11th province of the U.S.
Shatner expressed uncertainty about whether Trump truly sees Canada as “serious” about the proposal. “I mean, everyone seems to be quite serious about this unusual offer,” he added. “Canada has been around for a long time, and they have served our continent well.”
“You can’t deny it,” Shatner insisted.
Watters countered, asking Shatner if this sentiment means that Trump “defends” Canadian soldiers who fight for freedom. Shatner suggested that sometimes tension creates breakthroughs, recalling how former President Joe Biden eventually secured a marriage proposal acceptance after several tries.
Shatner noted, “I get that, but permanence can feel, well, a bit awkward.” When asked about his interest in Mars, given Elon Musk’s plans for colonization, Shatner described the topic as “full of many meanings, like the spirit of discovery.” He posed a thought-provoking question: “What drives humanity to endlessly search yet never feel fully satisfied?”
Shatner plans to discuss similar inquiries with Neil deGrasse Tyson in June during a concert event in Seattle, while also preparing for his annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which raises funds for children and veterans. “We’re having a party on May 31st,” he shared.
Since portraying Captain Kirk in Star Trek, the 94-year-old has continued to explore the cosmos. In 2021, he became the oldest individual to travel to space with Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Following that journey, he described the experience as “feeling like a funeral.”
Shatner also remains active in his roles as a director and host for his series The Unxplained, where he sheds light on fascinating global phenomena.
