Trump’s 51st State Joke: Canada’s Future, Resource Strategy, and U.S. Influence

Canada will change, whether we like it or not. Trump’s half-joking comment about Canada becoming the 51st state made the prime minister laugh nervously.

Let’s look at this objectively. Was it just a tactical jest, or does it reveal something deeper about Trump’s strategy?

The U.S. faces significant challenges with its deficit and the looming loss of the U.S. dollar’s reserve status. If this happens, the U.S. could be reduced to a regional power. To counter this, the U.S. needs “Resources” to back its currency. With Russia out of reach, the Middle East problematic, and Venezuela a possibility, what’s left? Alberta.

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta: “Alberta has 170 billion barrels of proven oil reserves… that’s more than the entire proven reserves of the United States.”

| Country/Region      | Proven Oil Reserves (Billion Barrels) |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Venezuela           | 303.2                                 |
| Canada              | 171                                   |
| Iran                | 208.6                                 |
| Russia              | 80                                    |
| Alberta (Canada)    | 158.9                                 |

Here are some strategic plays:

1. Trump could leverage for massive concessions from Canada.
2. Danielle Smith could call for a Public Opinion Poll asking, “Should Alberta become an American state?” This would give Alberta significant leverage over Ottawa.
3. If Ottawa falls, Washington could take control of Canada’s future.

We might bend the knee to Washington, but the critical question remains: what will they leave us, or what do we get back?

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-suggests-canada-become-51st-state-after-trudeau-said-tariff-would-kill-economy-sources

Source: OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin: www.opec.org/opec_web/en/publications/202.htm

Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy: www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/energy-economics/statistical-review-of-world-energy.html

Source: OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin: www.opec.org/opec_web/en/publications/202.htm

Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy: www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/energy-economics/statistical-review-of-world-energy.html

Source: Alberta Energy: www.alberta.ca/energy.aspx (Search for “oil sands reserves” within the site for specific data)