Trump jokes Canada can keep its anthem

During a speech at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, US President Donald Trump joked that Canada could keep its national anthem if it became part of the United States.

Trump made the remark while discussing the ongoing trade dispute between the two countries.

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“Canada is going to have to pay tariffs on automobiles, lumber, oil and gas, etc. They get 95 percent of their product from the United States. I think they’ll have to become the 51st state,” he argued.

He continued to say: “We’ll have to figure something out … because I actually like ‘O Canada,’” he said. “It’s a great anthem. I think we’ll have to keep it for the 51st state.”

In response to the joke, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk altered the anthem’s lyrics while performing during a men’s ice hockey game between the US and Canada on Thursday.

She changed the phrase “in all of us command” to “that only us command.” 

These remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada. Earlier this month, President Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada, effective March 12, 2025, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

In retaliation, Canada imposed a 25 percent tariff on USD 30 billion worth of US goods starting Feb. 4, 2025 and plans to impose additional tariffs on USD 125 billion of US imports.

The Bank of Canada has warned that a prolonged trade conflict could severely impact the Canadian economy, potentially necessitating further rate cuts.

Additionally, the tariffs are expected to affect various sectors, including housing and automotive industries, leading to higher costs for consumers.