Why Trump is reviving 51st state rhetoric with midterms in less than 3 weeks

U.S. President Donald Trump is reviving his rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state of the United States as Republican candidates face tough midterm elections in less than three weeks. During a campaign rally in Arizona, Trump told supporters, "They’ll end up being the 51st state, because that’s the only way it works." He added, "We don’t need them, but they need us."

This rhetoric comes as U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra warned that American officials are closely watching for signs of election interference by Canadian politicians. However, Canadian officials deny these allegations, with Industry Minister Melanie Joly stating, "We'll never do that and we'll never accept that also being done to us in Canada."

Polls show Republicans trailing in several key races, including in states bordering Canada where Trump's trade war with Ottawa has become an election issue. Michigan, the heart of the American auto manufacturing sector, is particularly vulnerable as Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers in most polls for their U.S. Senate race. Rogers has urged for an end to the trade war with Canada and has even run an ad stating, "We know that Canada is not our enemy. We need to end the tariff war — now."

Experts suggest that Trump's renewed rhetoric may be an attempt to create a "rally around the flag" effect, making Americans feel embattled. However, the American people may not be swayed by this strategy as they are experiencing the consequences of high prices due to Trump's policies.