February 26, 2025 – Peter Navarro, a close ally of Donald Trump, is calling for Canada’s removal from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, following Trump’s suggestion to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of the United States, according to The Financial Times.
Five Eyes Under Scrutiny
The Five Eyes alliance, established in 1941, includes the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is considered one of the most sophisticated intelligence-sharing networks in the world, allowing its members to exchange sensitive information on global security threats. Navarro’s push to expel Canada signals a significant shift in US foreign policy priorities under Trump.
Pressure Through Tariffs and Political Moves
Trump has also reiterated plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, insisting that the move is “on time.” Many see this as a tactic to pressure Ottawa into considering a political merger with the United States. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump fully endorses the statehood proposal.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is set to resign on March 9, was previously caught on a hot mic acknowledging that Trump’s push to incorporate Canada was a “real thing.”
Trump’s Justification for Absorption
Trump argues that the US spends “hundreds of billions” to support Canada, citing trade imbalances between the two nations. He claims that without this financial support, Canada would struggle to remain viable as an independent country. In promoting the idea of statehood, Trump has promised lower taxes, stronger military protection, and exemption from tariffs for Canadians under US governance.
The proposal has sparked debate in both countries, with questions about sovereignty, economic implications, and the future of North American diplomacy.
