The Platform

MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
Photo illustration by John Lyman

Donald Trump has many fanciful ideas, one of which is that the United States should become a colonial power again.

Should Canada be annexed as the 51st state? President Donald Trump reportedly floated this idea to then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Whether tongue-in-cheek or sincere, this suggestion has left Canadians bewildered and irked.

Prominent Canadian businessman and Shark Tank personality Kevin O’Leary has already voiced his support, describing it as a move that could create a global powerhouse. His enthusiasm reflects a perspective not uncommon in U.S.-Canada relations, where the idea of closer integration periodically resurfaces.

The notion of annexing Canada echoes the 19th-century belief in Manifest Destiny, a concept that symbolized America’s ambition to expand its territory and influence. Coined by journalist and political figure John L. O’Sullivan in 1845, Manifest Destiny was described as “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” O’Sullivan’s words justified U.S. territorial expansion as a divine right—a belief embraced by figures like Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and other contemporaries advocating for an ever-growing American frontier.

While modern historians critique Manifest Destiny as a rationale for colonialism and displacement, it was widely accepted at the time. Supporters argued it was the moral and strategic path to expanding American sovereignty. The idea also shaped pivotal moments in U.S. history, such as the Revolutionary War’s aftermath, when the Treaty of Paris awarded the young United States not only independence but also the Northwest Territory—lands that later became Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a cornerstone of this expansion, establishing governance structures and a blueprint for admitting new states. Remarkably progressive for its time, the ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory (except as punishment for crimes) and guaranteed certain rights, including religious freedom and trial by jury. These principles laid a foundation for America’s growth while foreshadowing the divisive debates over slavery that would engulf the nation decades later.

Fast-forward to today, the idea of annexing Canada feels both audacious and absurd to some. Trump’s musings about acquiring Greenland—a territory with just 45,000 residents—might seem more achievable. Yet, the underlying sentiment remains: territorial expansion is a hallmark of American ambition, whether in the form of land acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase or strategic moves like the purchase of Alaska from Russia.

This recurring theme in U.S. history begs the question: Could such an expansionist agenda ever resurface in earnest? Advocates might argue that integrating Canada’s vast natural resources and advanced economy would bolster American strength. Skeptics would point to the cultural, political, and legal complexities of merging two distinct nations.

Moreover, the idea of annexation carries echoes of historical hubris. Manifest Destiny, after all, was a doctrine steeped in the belief that American values were universally superior. Today, a move to annex Canada—or even Greenland—might be seen less as a fulfillment of destiny and more as an exercise in overreach.

As for naming this hypothetical super-country, suggestions like “Americacan” or “Americanada” blend humor with speculation. But perhaps the most fitting response lies in reflection. The grand aspirations of Manifest Destiny remind us of the power and peril of expansionist dreams. Whether aiming for the stars—as Trump framed them in his 2020 State of the Union address—or setting sights on our northern neighbor, America’s frontier spirit persists, though tempered by the lessons of history.

Ultimately, even the idea of “buying Greenland” reminds of Trump’s penchant for the unexpected. He might brand it as going green—literally.

James Carlini is a strategist for mission critical networks, technology, and intelligent infrastructure. Since 1986, he has been president of Carlini and Associates. Besides being an author, keynote speaker, and strategic consultant on large mission critical networks including the planning and design for the Chicago 911 center, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange trading floor networks, and the international network for GLOBEX, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University.