Understanding the "Elbows Up" Movement: Canada's Response to Annexation Threats
Mar 12, 2025
In recent months, Canada has found itself at the center of a geopolitical storm, facing unprecedented threats to its sovereignty from the United States. These developments have sparked the emergence of the "Elbows Up" movement, a nationalistic surge reflecting Canadians' determination to defend their independence.
The Play by Play
2018
Nov 30: U.S., Canada, and Mexico finalize the USMCA trade agreement. Trump claims it's the "greatest trade deal in history."
2024
Nov 29: Trump threatens Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with 25% tariffs unless Canada joins the U.S. as a state.
Nov 30: Trump publicly calls Trudeau "Governor Trudeau" and suggests Canada should join the U.S.
Dec 3: Trump comments that he would split Canada into two states once annexed.
Dec 10: Trump falsely claims that the majority of Canadians support annexation. Suggests Wayne Gretzky could lead.
Dec 18: Trump again pushes the annexation idea, citing Gretzky for leadership.
2025
Jan 7: Trump publicly threatens to use economic force to destroy the Canadian economy to facilitate annexation.
Jan 14: Trump repeats claims that most Canadians want to be American, despite polls showing only 10% support.
Jan 20: In his inaugural address, Trump mentions expanding U.S. territory during his second term.
Jan 23: At the World Economic Forum, Trump tells Canada it can avoid tariffs by joining the U.S.
Jan 24: Trump declares that Canada “will” become a state.
Jan 31: Trump announces 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, effective Feb 1.
Feb 2: Trump refers to Canada as the “Cherished 51st State” and pressures Canada to join the U.S. to avoid tariffs.
Feb 3: One-month tariff delay agreed upon. Trump challenges existing border treaties with Canada.
Feb 7: Leaked recording reveals Trudeau believes Trump is serious about annexation for Canadian resources.
Feb 9: Trump reiterates annexation as a "viable" consideration in a Super Bowl pre-game interview.
Feb 10: Trump announces an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, effective March 12.
Feb 24: Trump calls the U.S.-Canada trade agreement "idiotic," despite him being the one that signed it and praised it 7 years prior.
Feb 27: Reports emerge of U.S. spy planes over southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Mar 4-6: Tariffs go into effect; Canada retaliates with its own tariffs. Market backlash causes a delay until April 1.
Mar 4: Trump declares at a joint session of Congress that the U.S. will own Greenland "one way or the other."
Mar 5: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admits to Canada’s Finance Minister that Trump views many trade agreements as disposable.
Mar 7: Leaked documents show Trump’s plan to annex the Great Lakes and Southern Ontario, home to 38% of Canada’s economy.
Mar 8: Canada’s Foreign Minister warns European allies of existential threat to Canada’s sovereignty.
Mar 9: New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemns Trump’s actions, claiming the U.S. seeks to destroy Canada.
Tensions are high.
A Deep Look at The Genesis of Tensions
The saga began in December 2024, when President-elect Donald Trump, during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. He suggested that if Canada wished to avoid punitive tariffs, it might consider joining the United States. Trump's subsequent references to Trudeau as "Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada" further fueled concerns about U.S. intentions toward Canadian sovereignty.
Escalation of Hostile Actions
In January 2025, shortly after his inauguration, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, citing reasons such as illegal border crossings and the fentanyl crisis, issues where Canada's responsibility is minimal. He also hinted at using "economic force" to pressure Canada into annexation, stating that merging would enhance national security and reduce U.S. expenses on border protection.
Trump's rhetoric continued with claims that the majority of Canadians supported annexation, a notion starkly contradicted by public opinion, where only about 10% expressed any openness to the idea. He even suggested dividing Canada into two states, reflecting perceived conservative and liberal regions.
Canada's Firm Stand
These actions have unified Canadians in defense of their sovereignty. The "Elbows Up" movement symbolizes this collective resolve, drawing from the Canadian colloquialism "elbows up," which conveys readiness to stand one's ground. This movement has seen widespread participation, including the sale of "Canada Is Not For Sale" merchandise and coordinated diplomatic efforts to counter U.S. pressures.
International Reactions
Canada's allies have expressed concern over the U.S.'s aggressive stance. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly warned European diplomats that Canada's situation might be a precursor to broader challenges, suggesting that they could be next targets of U.S. expansionist policies.
Looking Ahead
As tensions persist, Canada's leadership remains committed to protecting national sovereignty. Incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated his willingness to engage with President Trump, provided that Canada's sovereignty is respected and a mutual approach to trade is established.
The "Elbows Up" movement stands as a testament to Canada's resilience and unity in the face of external threats. It underscores a collective determination to safeguard the nation's independence and values, reinforcing the sentiment that Canada is, and will remain, its own sovereign entity.
Canada, Stay Strong.
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