Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

“I love Canada, I love the people, I have many friends in Canada.” Now, that’s not something you hear every day from an American. The U.S. and Canada have always had a sibling rivalry. Americans joke about Canadian politeness and suspiciously clean cities, while Canadians roll their eyes at American bravado. But Donald Trump? He’s taking it to a whole new level. And not only does he claim to love Canada but he also seems tired of feeling like the older sibling getting the short end of the stick. In his eyes, America has been “ripped off as a country for many years,” and what better way to fix it than living under the same roof? Joe Rogan, however, isn’t sold on the idea.

On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with guest Michael Kosta (#2290), the topic of Canada came up, and it all started with hockey, because of course. Kosta brought up a stat someone sent him about Canada’s water usage during a game. Apparently, every time there was a break, the entire country went to the bathroom at the same time. “Man, do they love a good winter sport up there,” Kosta laughed.

And if there’s one thing that can crank up the USA-Canada rivalry, it’s hockey. The 4 Nations Face-Off had just wrapped up, with Canada edging out the U.S. in a 3-2 overtime thriller. But what should have been a thrilling hockey showcase turned into a geopolitical spectacle. Thanks in no small part to Trump’s ongoing rhetoric about annexing Canada. And the Canadian crowd made their feelings pretty clear by booing the U.S. national anthem. The game’s viewership numbers went through the roof.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Rogan, though? He wasn’t interested in any annexation talk. He just wants everyone to get along. “We got to become friends with Canada again. We have to, like, you know, this is so ridiculous,” he said, referring to the weirdly growing tension between the two countries. Kosta, without skipping a beat, responded, “I’m down.”

The UFC commentator then addressed the elephant in the room, “I can’t believe that there’s like anti-American and anti-Canadian sentiment going on. It’s the dumbest f—ing thing there is.” He pointed out how some Americans see Canada as a burden. “There’s a lot of idiots that think, ‘They are our f—ing enemy. Why are we subsidizing Canada? How come they don’t have their own military?’ Well, they don’t, so let’s just deal with it as it is.'”

Then, Kosta switched gears. “Well, you know Trudeau is out, right? He’s leaving.” Joe Rogan responded with his usual bluntness. “They got a new guy who’s just as bad. They got a new party, 150 people voted, and now they have a new guy running the country. But their whole election system is so different. They don’t have like a specific time when they have elections.” Kosta jumped in, “They can call an election and I think it happens within three weeks.” Rogan shook his head at the unpredictability of it all. “The whole thing is so crazy. I don’t know what’s happening with their politics, but I just want America and Canada to get along. I think it’s ridiculous.”

USA Today via Reuters

Still, when it came to the idea of Canada becoming a state, Rogan wasn’t convinced. “I don’t really think they should be our 51st state,” he said bluntly. But he did offer up an alternative. “It would be fun if it happened, but I think Greenland is more accessible. We could probably buy that. If you want a 51st state, it’s Greenland.” Kosta, laughed, “You said it. It’s on record.” Rogan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Americans. Canada is a close friend and not a sibling. And that being said, they need not be invited to the family dinner permanently. And truthfully, the Maple Leaf Nation is fine with that.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Trump's idea of annexing Canada a bold move or just another wild fantasy?

Have an interesting take?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Did Joe Rogan just revive Trump’s old American fantasy?

Donald Trump and his desire to absorb Canada? Yeah, that’s not exactly breaking news. Floating the possibility of erasing the 5525-mile border between the two nations and turning America’s polite upstairs neighbor into the 51st state. In his mind, if Canadians “wanted to play the game right,” they’d join up.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. For one, it’s not as simple as slapping it on a ballot. Congress would have to approve it, and, well, Canada would actually have to agree. And that’s where things come to a screeching halt. Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney isn’t just rejecting Trump’s vision. He’s laughing it off. “Crazy” is how he described the idea, making it clear that Canada will remain independent. “We will never in any way, shape, or form be a part of the U.S. America is not Canada,” Carney said.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also supported Carney and stated: “What he wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that’ll make it easier to annex us,” he warned speaking about Trump’s takeover plans. Behind closed doors, he reportedly admitted that Trump’s latest idea wasn’t just a throwaway joke, it was “a real thing.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

At the heart of this whole debate is a fundamental divide. Canada runs on a different political system, has universal healthcare, and, let’s be honest, far less political chaos. Sure, Americans joke about making Canada their 51st state, but most Canadians? They’d rather brave the brutal winters than swap their maple leaf for the stars and stripes.

But what do you think? Could Trump’s dream of a borderless North America ever become a reality? Or is it destined to remain just another one of his wild ideas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Trump's idea of annexing Canada a bold move or just another wild fantasy?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT