Donald Trump has repeated calls to make Canada “the 51st state” as he reiterated his support for tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Speaking to Fox News, when asked if he was serious about Canada being a 51st state Mr Trump said: “I think Canada would be much better off.
“We lose $200bn a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen. It’s too much.
“Why are we paying $200bn a year essentially in subsidy to Canada? Now, if they are a 51st state, I don’t mind doing it.”
He also continued to voice support for Mr Musk. The X owner is spearheading the US president’s efforts to cut costs and bureaucracy in government, which has already seen the US Aid Agency for International Development targeted.
Named the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its aim is to find ways to sack federal workers, cut programmes and cut federal regulations.
However, there have been suggestions the Tesla chief’s access to government systems could pose a threat to national security.
Prince Harry’s criticism of ‘weak moral character’ at Invictus Games felt like a jibe at Donald Trump
Day 21: Trump’s popularity, Musk’s influence and America’s soft power
Judge pauses Donald Trump’s plan to put thousands of USAID workers on leave
But Mr Trump has said he trusts Mr Musk and is going to ask him to investigate billions of dollars of “fraud and abuse” within the US military.
“I’ve had great help with Elon Musk. He’s been terrific,” he said.
👉 Follow Trump 100 on your podcast app 👈
When asked if he trusted him, Mr Trump added: “Trust Elon? He’s not gaining anything.
“In fact, I wonder how he can devote the time to it – he’s so into it.
“But I told him do that and then I’m going to tell him very soon – maybe in the next 24 hours – to go check the Department for Education. He’s going to find the same thing.
“Then I’m going to go to the military – let’s check the military. We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse.
“You know, the people elected me on that.”
Follow our channel and never miss an update
‘Gulf of America day’
Mr Trump also made a series of statements aboard Air Force One as he flew to the Super Bowl.
He signed a proclamation declaring 9 February 2025 as the first ever “Gulf of America” day. One of the first executive orders the president signed was renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
While signing the latest proclamation, he posed in front of a map with the newly changed name.
Read more: Mexico asks Google not to follow Trump name change
He also said he would announce 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the US, signalling yet another major escalation in his trade policy overhaul. These reciprocal tariffs will take effect almost immediately, he said.
