With talk of a 51st state, a mystery: Why is Trump obsessed with Canada?

A White House official insisted that the 51st -state concept sprung unbidden into Trump ’s mind.

But many Canadians are simply confused as to why Trump is so obsessed with Canada .

The theories on exactly what or who prompted Trump 's brainstorm range from grand to granular.

Some have suggested that the failure of Trump hotels in Toronto and Vancouver left Trump with the desire for revenge.

Many Canadians say they no longer view Trump ’s statements as a joke or bombastic negotiating tactic in the tariff war.

Memes and jokes about a potential Canadian annexation circulated in right-wing circles online in the year leading up to the 2024 election.

White House official: “The president came up with the idea of annexation himself” Another possible influence: Kevin O’Leary , a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful ” one of the investor stars of the “Shark Tank” reality TV show.

The attacks from Trump seem to have buoyed Canada ’s Liberal Party , which had been primed for an electoral wipeout.

Ordinary Canadians have begun committing conspicuous acts of patriotism.

The mayor of Mississauga announced Saturday that the city has started to remove all American flags from sports arenas and locations along Lake Ontario .