A top White House official has threatened to redraw the Canadian border amid Donald Trump’s ambition to turn the country in America’s “51st state.” Peter Navarro, one of Donald Trump’s closest advisers, is pressuring US negotiators to discuss altering the border with their Canadian counterparts, according to reports from The Telegraph.
Sources close to the negotiations disclosed, “Navarro recommended revising the Canada-US border, which is just crazy and dangerous.” Given the controversial nature of these statements, Canada has instructed its delegates to withdraw from negotiations with the US until the Senate confirms Jameson Greer and Howard Lutnick, two incoming members of Mr. Trump’s cabinet seen as less extreme than Navarro.
“The Canadians have told their people to hold off negotiating with the US Government until Jameson Greer and Howard Lutnick are confirmed by the Senate and are officially appointed,” the source said, emphasizing the growing tensions and apprehension about Navarro’s proposals.
Beyond redrawing borders, Navarro also suggested ejecting Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This proposal has raised alarm among many US officials, as it would fundamentally alter one of the world’s most significant security networks. Responding to claims about his proposal, Navarro called such reports “crazy stuff,” asserting, “We would never, ever jeopardize our national security ever with allies like Canada. Ever.”
Meanwhile, US-Canada relations have faced multiple pressures, particularly with President Trump threatening to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports starting March 4, alongside additional steel and aluminum tariffs set for March 12. Trump has also been vocal about his opinion of Canada potentially becoming the “51st state,” frequently referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau.”
Trudeau, who initially dismissed claims about Canada joining the US as jokes, has expressed serious concern. Caught on open mic, he warned Navarro’s remarks about annexation might seem “a real thing.” So far, Canadian officials have defended their nation's role as respected and valued allies within the intelligence partnership, with Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne reinforcing, “Canada is valued. Canada is valued. Canada is integral to the intelligence and security work to protect our citizens.”
The ramifications of Navarro’s attempts at influencing US-Canada relations have left some US officials unsettled. Insiders allege Navarro is leveraging his power during this transitional phase with minimal competition among Trump’s circle, stating, “Peter Navarro is in post, and he is taking advantage of being there by himself with no one else to challenge his extreme positions.”
The potential fallout from Navarro’s statements can be significant. Vincent Rigby, Trudeau’s former national security adviser, suggested there might be “serious smoke” behind Navarro’s border revision talk, noting intelligence sharing was previously utilized as pressure during Trump’s initial term.
President Trump recently reiterated his plans to impose hefty tariffs on Canada, asserting, “We protect Canada, but it’s not fair... If they had to pay their way, they couldn’t exist.” His insistence on imposing tariffs aims to address perceived imbalances between the two nations. While tensions are simmering, the Canadian government has retaliated by imposing tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, extending basketball and other products, and encouraging Canadians to refrain from travelling to the US.
Key developments like these stand to reshape not only trade relations but also longstanding diplomatic ties, echoing how Navarro, under Trump’s directive, is concertedly pushing agendas once considered inconceivable. Canada, observing the gravity of the situation, is on alert, tasked with preparing defensive measures and strategizing their diplomatic moves moving forward.
For now, the White House remains silent on the growing discontent from Canada and the US’ own officials. Reports faced with Navarro’s proposals incite debate on the legitimacy of claims about altering borders and dismantling long-standing alliances. With potential new guidelines for trade just on the horizon, the dynamics of North America stand tenuously poised for either resolution or escalation.