In a lengthy interview discussing his first 100 days in office, U.S. President Donald Trump once again broached the topic of Canada becoming the 51st state.
On Sunday, Trump said that it is “highly unlikely” military force would be necessary to make Canada the 51st state, reiterating his desire to incorporate the country into the United States.
The comments came during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, where Trump discussed his political future and ambitions.
His remarks on Canada drew attention in Ottawa, just days before he’s scheduled to host newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday.
Asked by NBC’s Kristen Welker whether his threats to turn Canada into an American state were serious, Trump responded that the process would likely not require military intervention.
“I don’t see it with Canada,” Trump said. “I just don’t see it, I have to be honest with you.”
Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada, raising concerns among Canadians–particularly seniors, who made opposing Trump’s rhetoric their top election priority.
Although Trump has not walked back his earlier rhetoric, he indicated that he believes that Canadians could support integration voluntarily.
The Prime Minister has not commented yet on Trump’s recent statements.
Trump contrasted Canada with Greenland, where he left open the possibility of the use of military force.
“Something could happen with Greenland,” Trump said, calling the autonomous Danish territory “essential for national and international security.”
Trump previously floated a purchase of Greenland in his first term, a proposal rejected by the Danish government.
The NBC interview comes as Trump pushes to reassert U.S. influence on the global stage as his administration marks its first 100 days back in office.
Trump declined to offer specifics on how the U.S. could formally incorporate Canada. Trump argued that he holds support among the Canadian public, “We have a lot of support up there,” he said.
The White House did not issue an official clarification on any of Trump’s comments.
Trump and Carney are scheduled to meet Tuesday in Washington, D.C. for bilateral talks expected to focus on trade, defence cooperation, and regional security.