THUNDER BAY – WORLD NEWS – U.S. President Donald Trump is once again making international headlines — and raising eyebrows in Canada — after a combative and wide-ranging interview with NBC’s Meet the Press from his Mar-a-Lago resort. From flirting with the idea of Canada as the “51st state” to being noncommittal on constitutional due process, Trump appears to be back in campaign form: blunt, bombastic, and unapologetically polarizing.
The interview comes as a disturbing image posted on President Trump’s Truth Social of Donald Trump as the Pope is making the rounds.
As his second term as president passes its 100-day mark, Trump used the platform to reassert his political dominance, shrug off constitutional concerns, and float foreign policy provocations — including sharp criticism of Canada’s defence spending and trade contributions.
🇨🇦 Canada as the 51st State? Trump Says ‘Highly Unlikely’ — For Now
While not walking back previous comments about annexing Canada, Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker that military action is “highly unlikely” in pursuit of making Canada the next American state.
“I don’t think we’re ever going to get to that point,” Trump said, though he added, “They don’t carry their full share… and it’s unfair to the U.S. taxpayer.”
Thunder Bay residents — and Canadians across the country — have been swift to react on social media, calling Trump’s comments “reckless” and “disrespectful,” especially as Canada-U.S. relations remain strained by protectionist rhetoric and economic friction.
In a jab that could affect trade tensions, Trump claimed:
“We don’t need their cars… We don’t want their energy… We don’t need anything that they have.”
⚖️ Dodging the Constitution: Due Process Gets Murky
When pressed on due process rights, Trump deflected responsibility, stating:
“I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.”
The exchange came in response to questions about the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported and imprisoned despite a U.S. Supreme Court order. Trump’s lack of clarity on fundamental legal protections drew criticism from legal scholars and civil rights advocates.
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments — key pillars of American constitutional law — guarantee due process and equal protection. Trump, however, seemed more focused on bypassing the courts:
“I was elected to get [dangerous criminals] the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it.”
📉 Recession Talk and Economic Spin
When it came to questions about the U.S. economy, Trump deflected blame for a 0.3% GDP drop in Q1, claiming that any negative indicators were remnants of the “Biden economy.”
He continued pushing his belief in strong fundamentals:
“Some people on Wall Street say that we’re going to have the greatest economy in history.”
Asked whether his tariff policies could reduce household purchasing power, Trump brushed off concerns:
“They don’t need 30 dolls… They can have three.”
🔁 Third Term Talk and MAGA’s Future
Despite the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms, Trump danced around the idea of a third run, saying:
“I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody… a great Republican.”
He praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but stopped short of naming a preferred successor.
“I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now… but I can’t name one Democrat,” he said.
🔎 Thunder Bay Perspective: Why This Matters
Trump’s continued dominance over U.S. political discourse and the cross-border relationship with Canada has direct implications for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
From trade and tariffs on Canadian goods to border and energy policy, Trump’s political posturing continues to shape how the U.S. engages with its northern neighbour.
Trump seems often to be more an online troll than taking on the role of President and World Leader.
His antics at the funeral of Pope Francis, texting on his phone and apparently napping were seen as mildly offensive.
His post of himself as Pope that were posted on Truth Social by the President, an AI image is being seen as deeply offensive to Roman Catholics and millions of people.
