Macron says Canada ’51st state’ threats an example of U.S. rejecting allies

In blunt remarks, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and France’s President Emmanuel Macron said global democracy was being attacked as never before.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to make Canada the “51st state” as an example of American foreign policy that is sacrificing allies for “the law of the strongest.”

Macron’s blunt remarks were matched by similar comments from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a separate speech that showed European leaders’ growing concern as Trump seeks to impose U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere, including actions in Venezuela and threats of a potential U.S. takeover of Greenland.

In an address to French ambassadors at the Élysée presidential palace on Thursday, Macron said, “It’s the greatest disorder, the law of the strongest, and everyday people wonder whether Greenland will be invaded, whether Canada will be under the threat of becoming the 51st state (of the United States) or whether Taiwan is to be further circled.”

The United States is “gradually turning away from some of its allies and freeing itself from the international rules,” Macron said.

The comments appear to be the first time Macron has directly addressed Trump’s threats against Canada’s sovereignty, which the U.S. president has not raised for several weeks after repeatedly making the assertions last year.

However, Canada’s former United Nations ambassador, Bob Rae, and other experts have warned Trump’s recent behaviour suggests Canada is “on the menu” for his plans in the hemisphere when taken alongside the “51st state” rhetoric.

Macron’s speech referenced recent U.S. actions, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last weekend, and Trump’s overall national security strategy that envisions America as a hemispheric superpower.

The remarks also come amid growing concern about Trump’s plans for Greenland. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Danish officials next week.