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A playful grin appears on Joseph Redmon’s face, accompanied by a light chuckle, at the mention of Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state.
“It’s a joke,” he insists repeatedly.
“It would never happen. It cannot happen. It will not happen,” he asserts, even before the complete question is posed.
Redmon believes such statements are merely strategic ploys to provoke reactions. He acknowledges that many Canadians are opposed to the idea of annexation and suggests that it could harm the Republican Party, considering the left-leaning political landscape of Canada.
“You should take it as a compliment,” he adds, encouraging Canadians to smile when they hear such claims.
This retired U.S. Army Major shared his thoughts with CBC News during a conversation with five other rural Kentucky Republican voters about President Donald Trump’s potential return to power. With Trump receiving 75 percent support in Meade County during the last three elections, these voters unearthed their perspectives on the controversial comments made by the president.
Despite the backlash stemming from Trump’s tariff policies, particularly affecting Canada—often a target of his rhetoric regarding its potential annexation—several supporters maintained their backing for him. Some dismissed his comments as mere jokes or tactics to divert attention.
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Many Republican voters in Brandenburg, Kentucky, choose not to take Trump’s repeated insinuations about Canada becoming “the 51st state” seriously, and they feel Canadians should adopt a similar attitude.
‘It’s a distraction’
Among them is 72-year-old Ginny Delano, a retiree who suspects Trump is attempting to provoke Canadians.
“I find it amusing, especially when so many people are affected by what I call TDS, or Trump Derangement Syndrome,” she remarks, referring to the term often used to describe extreme anti-Trump sentiments.
While Ginny perceives Trump’s comments as taunts, her husband Gale, aged 85, expresses understanding for the feelings of Canadians.
“I can see why Canadians would be offended, as it concerns their nation,” he notes. “We would stand by America, just as Canadians will stand by their own country.”
Some voters argue that Trump’s talk of annexation is not to be taken seriously.
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Trump’s implementation of a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made cars has already begun to exert negative pressure on the stock market, leading to retaliatory measures from Canada, which has imposed tariffs on a significant amount of U.S. goods.
Mark Burnett, the chair of the Meade County Republican Party, views Trump’s comments as mere distractions.
“If Canadians genuinely desired to become a 51st state, it would be an ongoing discussion. But an invasion of Canada is far from a reality,” he states.
Bracing for tariffs
Despite the humor surrounding Trump’s annexation comments, there is concern among supporters about the repercussions of his tariff strategies.
“It will affect jobs and employment; some discomfort may be necessary to address deeper issues,” says John Clauer, another retiree who supports Trump’s fiscal policies focused on spending reduction and deficit control.
The fluctuating tariff agenda may result in short-term economic instability, with some U.S. provinces even pulling American products from their shelves.
Clauer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the U.S. position while supporting Trump’s tariffs, viewing them as a necessary step to rejuvenate the American economy.
Many Trump supporters echo similar sentiments surrounding economic challenges and necessary interventions.
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As Trump and Canadian leaders engage in discussions, the impending tariffs are looming, with supporters maintaining optimism about their potential success.
Burnett believes that while the situation may appear daunting now, it is a necessary pivot. “American businesses have become too accustomed to cheap labor overseas; addressing this reality is essential,” he remarks.
Support for Trump remains intact
For many voters, Trump’s second term is viewed positively so far.
“He’s a hopeful figure,” Ginny Delano expresses, with her husband echoing her sentiments. “He’s delivering on his promises at an impressive pace—something not commonly seen in politicians.”
Doug Cornett, 81, a retired educator, has mixed feelings but is willing to see how things unfold under Trump’s leadership.
“It may be rough now, but I believe everything will stabilize and flourish eventually,” he observes.
While Trump’s brash demeanor may not resonate with everyone, many of his supporters find it tolerable.
Clauer mentions, “He operates in his unique style. While I’m relieved I’m not in his position, I stand by his efforts to rejuvenate the U.S. economy.”
Redmon believes that Trump’s role as a disruptive force is crucial at this juncture. “We needed someone like him. America is in dire circumstances,” he asserts.
Source
www.cbc.ca