Nine untruths about Canada made by Trump: Debunked
Raw Talk:
President Donny Trumps talks big about making Canada the 51st US state, but he's full of baloney! Let's debunk his BS claims, shall we?
In 2025 alone, ol' Donny boy has:
- Spread it thick about Canadians loving the idea of becoming a US state, which is a fat lie – polls prove they're not feeling it.
- Yelled that the US trade deficit with Canada is a whopping "$200 billion," but it ain't even close.
- Claimed Canada's one of the world's highest-tariff countries, but it's pepperoni pizza compared to many others.
- Cried wolf about Canada raising dairy tariffs during the Biden era, but they've been frozen ever since Trump's first tenure.
- Gave folks a milking about Canada not taking US agricultural exports, but they're second on the list of world buyers.
- Spread fear that Canada keeps US banks at bay, but there are more than a dozen sittin' comfortably there today.
- Stirred up drama about Canada being constantly surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships, but it's a fish story.
- Screamed that Justin Trudeau was using a tariff spat to run again for prime minister, but Trudeau was out of the race.
- Whined that Canada doesn't spend enough on defense, but official reports say it's closer to 1.4%.
Now let's fact-check these tall tales.
Canadian sentiments: Trump told reporters in January that Canadians were on board with his plan for statehood, but it's a no-go. A recent poll showed 85% opposed, 9% in favor. Even the Conservative Party, usually pro-US, has spoken out against it.
Trade deficit numbers: Trump insists the US has a "$200 billion" trade deficit with Canada. False! Official stats show the 2024 deficit with Canada was only $35.7 billion (or $70.6 billion if you don't include services).
Tariffs: Trump blabbered on Twitter about Canada being one of the world's highest-tariff countries. Liars, liars, pants on fire! Canada ranks 102nd on a World Bank list, with lower average tariffs than the US (1.49%).
Dairy tariffs: Trump claimed he handled dairy tariffs nicely when he left office, but Canada's didn't change during the Biden era. They were set by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement he signed in 2018.
Agricultural exports: Trump said Canada doesn't take much US agricultural produce. Not true! Canada bought about $28.4 billion worth in 2024, making it the second-largest buyer globally.
US banks in Canada: Trump kept asserting Canada banned US banks, but there are over a dozen US banks currently operating in Canada today.
Russian and Chinese ships: Trump declared Canada would be safe from Russian and Chinese ships if it joined the US. False! Canada's never been surrounded by Russian or Chinese ships, and only occasional sightings have occurred near Alaska.
Trade war and prime ministerial race: Trump claimed Trudeau was using trade issues to run again for prime minister, but Trudeau wasn't running, and he stepped down from the Liberal Party leadership before the 2025 election.
Defense spending: Trump hollered that Canada only spends less than 1% of GDP on defense, but that's nowhere near the truth. According to NATO, Canada spent an estimated 1.37% of GDP on defense in 2024.
- Despite President Donny Trump's claims, the average Canadian, according to a recent poll, strongly opposes the idea of becoming the 51st US state, with 85% expressing opposition and only 9% in favour.
- Contrary to Trump's assertions, Canada actually has lower average tariffs than the US, ranking 102nd on a World Bank list, while the US ranks higher at 13th.
- Trump falsely warned in 2025 that Canadians were not buyers of US agricultural exports, but in reality, Canada was the second-largest buyer globally, having purchased about $28.4 billion worth in 2024.
