Mark Carney vs. the American Takeover Machine

A wave of political controversy is rippling across Canada following a clip of psychologist and political commentator Jordan Peterson, in which he reveals behind-the-scenes insights about Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and their shared vision of Canada as the “51st state.”

In the clip, Peterson claims that Trump didn't believe his rhetoric, specifically calling Canada the 51st state would harm Poilievre's chances of winning the federal election. More provocatively, Peterson suggests Trump views Liberal leader Mark Carney as a serious obstacle, citing Carney’s deep global connections and economic credibility as reasons Trump won’t be able to push him around.

The Phone Call That Sparked the Fire

What’s adding fuel to the fire is a recent report alleging that during a private phone call with Prime Minister Carney, Trump did in fact refer to Canada as the 51st state. When asked about the call, Carney responded diplomatically, saying Trump "respected our sovereignty."

But I’m not buying it.

I don’t think Trump respects Canada’s sovereignty because I don’t think he respects anyone’s sovereignty. Let’s be honest: Trump doesn’t care about alliances or mutual respect. He wants leverage. He wants control. And when it comes to Canada, it’s not just about trade it’s about domination.

Trump wants our water. He wants our minerals. He wants our healthcare system opened up so U.S. insurance giants can cash in. He wants American banks to control our investments. He wants Canadians eating U.S. dairy, driving U.S. cars, and relying on U.S. supply chains. It’s not partnership he’s after it’s ownership.

So whether or not Mark Carney said Trump “respected our sovereignty” during that call, I’m under no illusions. Trump wants a version of Canada that works for him. And we need to stop pretending otherwise.

Whether Carney’s comment was strategic diplomacy or a softened account of a power-play conversation, the underlying truth remains hard to ignore: Trump wants leverage, and Canada is in his crosshairs.

A Long-Planned Agenda

What’s striking is that this isn’t some spur-of-the-moment idea Trump cooked up over dinner at Mar-a-Lago. The “51st state” notion has been circulating in right-wing circles for years, with Canadian conservatives like Pierre Poilievre, Jordan Peterson, Kevin O’Leary, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith seemingly aligned in the vision of a more Americanized Canada politically, economically, and culturally.

And now, it appears they’re stunned that the plan hasn’t gone as expected.

They thought the world was done with progressive politics. They believed everyone aspired to live in Trump’s America. But the reality is very different.

The Crumbling of the Conservative Illusion

Danielle Smith, for instance, recently backed down on Alberta’s countermeasures against U.S. tariffs highlighting her unwillingness to challenge American pressure. Her government is now facing what could be one of Alberta’s largest deficits in history. Several UCP MLA’S have already jumped ship, seeing the writing on the wall.

Then there’s Poilievre. Despite campaigning for over two years, his costed platform is being torn apart by economists and commentators alike. It’s being called unworkable, misleading, and dangerously irresponsible. His platform, reveals not only poor planning but a fundamental lack of understanding of how modern economies function.

And behind all the noise, his messaging mirrors Trump’s playbook: vilifying environmentalists, weaponizing division, and misleading the public with half-truths and performative outrage.

A Moment of Reckoning

What’s emerging is a powerful reckoning an ideological fault line between a progressive Canada that seeks to protect its sovereignty, and a conservative faction increasingly influenced by American right-wing extremism.

Whether or not Trump literally called Canada the “51st state” on that phone call is almost beside the point. His intentions are plain. And Canadians many of whom now see through the smoke and mirrors are asking sharper questions.

Is our sovereignty up for sale? Are our leaders working for us, or for an American agenda?

If nothing else, this moment is a wake-up call.

Because while Trump plays mind games with the world, and Poilievre tries to play prime minister, there’s still a country to protect.

And Canadians are watching.