Trump Privately Admits Annexing Canada Is Unlikely

(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump has privately admitted that annexing Canada is improbable, pointing to the country’s long-standing history, strong national identity, and constitutional ties to the British monarchy, according to excerpts from a new biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The comments surfaced during a conversation late last year with royal biographer Robert Hardman, who had urged Trump to "please leave Canada alone." The exchange came after Trump, following his 2024 return to the White House, repeatedly raised the possibility of annexing Canada—prompting swift criticism from Ottawa and allied governments.

In Hardman’s account, Trump briefly paused during their discussion to ask whether Canada still recognized the British monarch as its head of state. After confirming that it did, he reportedly voiced frustration with Canadian political leadership.

Trump also speculated that geography played a role, suggesting the international boundary had been drawn incorrectly. "He should just have drawn it 50 miles (80 kilometers) further north and then there wouldn’t be a problem," he said, according to Hardman.

Ultimately, Trump appeared to back away from the idea altogether. Hardman writes that the president acknowledged Canada’s roughly 200-year history and its distinct national identity—referencing what he described as the "Oh, Canada thing," an apparent nod to the national anthem. Trump reportedly concluded that annexation was not feasible within his presidency, stating: "I guess it's not going to happen.”

Hardman interpreted the remarks as a clear retreat, suggesting Trump’s position was influenced in part by respect for King Charles. As long as Canada continues to recognize the monarch as its head of state, Trump seemed reluctant to pursue any move against the country.

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