President-elect Donald Trump has been discussing the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the Union. While his comments are typically viewed as humorous, some officials have pointed out that even joking about Canada becoming the 51st state could be seen as disrespectful to Puerto Rico and D.C. Similar sentiments are being expressed regarding Greenland. Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, took a seemingly serious stance on X, stating, “If it’s the choice of the people of Greenland to join the greatest country on earth, I would welcome them as our 53rd state, right after we admit Puerto Rico and Washington DC as states,”
Greenland?
Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to his first term when he allegedly suggested trading Puerto Rico for Greenland. Greenland boasts abundant mineral resources that are valuable for modern technologies. It could become a significant shipping hub if the Arctic continues to thaw. Additionally, it holds strategic significance. In fact, China seems to be eyeing Greenland for its shipping routes and mineral wealth. The U.S. might see merit in bolstering its relationship with Greenland at least in part to deter Chinese influence in the region.
However, Greenland is part of Denmark. There exists an independence movement in Greenland, but there appears to be no real inclination to exchange Denmark for the United States. Greenland has a population of fewer than 60,000, below the traditional threshold for statehood, and the majority of its residents are indigenous people.
The United States has attempted to purchase Greenland in the past, notably in the 20th century, and previously acquired the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917. On the other hand, Denmark firmly states it will not sell Greenland, and Greenland itself is equally determined not to be sold.
Canada!
If you haven’t been paying attention, Trump has recently adopted expansionist language, proposing various changes reminiscent of 19th-century imperialists like William Seward and Teddy Roosevelt:
- Canada “should be a state.” In a recent press conference, Trump suggested hockey icon Wayne Gretzky as the potential governor of the new Canadian state.
- Denmark ought to sell Greenland to the U.S. or surrender it through military means. “They should relinquish it because we need it for national security. That’s for the free world. I’m speaking about safeguarding the free world.”
- “We’re going to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a lovely sound. That encompasses a vast area. The Gulf of America, what a lovely name.”
- “We will insist that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question.”
The Beaverton, a Canadian satire site, pondered how Canada could transition into a state based on Puerto Rico’s experience. “If Canada were to follow a similar path as Puerto Rico, they would first need to be classified as a territory, where they possess minimal political power or access to federal resources,” they playfully quoted a U.S. constitutional expert as saying. “Then, after enduring numerous economic, political, and environmental crises over a century, if Canada still aspires to statehood, Congress might say ‘maybe.’”
Currently, there are no significant talks regarding Canada becoming a state.
Polis
Governor Polis has a track record of advocating for Puerto Rico. Colorado’s population includes 45,961 individuals of Puerto Rican descent, placing the state in the upper half of all states concerning Puerto Rican population.
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