Trump's 51st state threats are just performance, says former Republican congressman

As Canadian leaders piece together just how serious U.S. President Donald Trump is over making Canada the 51st American state, a former Republican congressman says it's all a performance — and Canada shouldn't be afraid.

"He's trying to look tough. He's trying to entertain," Adam Kinzinger said in an interview with CBC's The House. "He doesn't intend to make Canada the 51st state. The guy's actually scared to death of actually doing anything."

Kinzinger, a former six-term Republican congressman for Illinois, became a thorn in Trump's side following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was one of only 10 Republicans to impeach Trump after the attack and served on the House committee investigating the fateful day.

When asked by guest host Murray Brewster what his message for Canadians is — as Trump continues to deride Canada and suggest it become the 51st state — Kinzinger said "you don't need to be afraid of him."

"The thing I've learned about Donald Trump is he backs down when he's confronted," Kinzinger said.

Top Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have taken note of Trump's repeated threats to annex Canada, but they differ on how serious the U.S. president actually is about the idea.

WATCH | Blair calls Trump's comments 'disrespectful and concerning': 

51st state remarks are 'disrespectful and concerning,' Blair says

8 days ago

Duration 3:46

Defence Minister Bill Blair says the U.S. president's repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state are concerning and offensive, but added he does not believe it represents a 'real threat' to the country.

Defence Minister Bill Blair told reporters Wednesday that Trump's talk of annexing Canada is not a "real threat" but the comments are "disrespectful and concerning."

Blair's words are at odds with comments Trudeau made to business leaders at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto last week. The prime minister described Trump's threat as a "real thing" motivated by a desire to tap into Canada's critical minerals.

The ongoing threats have prompted theories that Trump is trying to use tariffs to pressure Canada into becoming a U.S. state. The president has said Canada would avoid tariffs if it was a state, and he's also mused about using "economic force" to absorb the country.

Kinzinger said a trade war would hurt Canada more than the U.S., since the American economy dwarfs the Canadian economy, but Canada should still find ways to "push back."

WATCH | Trump takes a swipe at 'Governor Trudeau,' orders plans for sweeping tariffs:

Trump calls for global reciprocal tariffs, takes fresh shots at ‘Governor Trudeau’

7 days ago

Duration 4:07

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered plans to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners which could include allies like Canada which he again referred to as the ‘51st state,’ while taking another swipe at ‘Governor Trudeau.’

"It doesn't mean we have to enter a general trade war, but find areas where you can push back and push back hard," Kinzinger said.

Trump's threats have also instilled a sharper feeling of patriotism in some Canadians. An Ontario flagmaker has seen its sales of Canadian flags double compared to a year earlier. One poll found more Quebecers now say they're "very proud" or "proud" to be Canadians.

Kinzinger said that Canadians should "find a reason to continue to be proud of your country and have Canadian patriotism grow from this."

"But recognize we are still your friends. And we think this guy's just as crazy as you do."