In an interview with Catherine Herridge, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described a “hot mic moment” involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a meeting, Trudeau reportedly said that if the U.S. “evened out” their trade relationship—removing Canada’s perceived advantages—it might threaten Canada’s existence as a sovereign nation. The President fired back with a blunt quip: if Canada can’t survive without “cheating” on trade, it should just become a U.S. state.
Rubio confirmed this exchange sparked the “Canada as the 51st state” idea.
EXCLUSIVE: @SecRubio on Canada, 51st State and the Hot Mic Moment
— Catherine Herridge (@C__Herridge) February 21, 2025
HERRIDGE: “In a hot mike moment, Canada’s prime minister said that absorbing Canada “is a real thing.” Is it a real thing?”
SECRETARY RUBIO: “Yeah, look, you know how that came about? President’s meeting with… https://t.co/t5BReWwOiR pic.twitter.com/ALZ8FSDCUx
Trolling is the new White House sport!
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 20, 2025
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the USA vs Canada hockey game tonight:
“President Trump looks forward to watching the game tonight — and we look forward to the United States beating our soon-to-be 51st state, Canada."
pic.twitter.com/3P9FJDKabw
