FACT CHECK: President Donald Trump’s Super Bowl LIX Interview

Claim:

In his Super Bowl LIX interview, former President Donald Trump made the following claims:

1. The U.S. pays “$200 billion a year, essentially in subsidy to Canada.”
2. He is considering making Canada the 51st state.
3. The U.S. is “not that rich” due to its $36 trillion national debt.

Fact:

Misleading and inaccurate. PleaseFactCheck.com’s investigation reveals that Trump’s statements are not supported by official economic data or government policies.

🔍 What’s Going Viral?

During his Super Bowl LIX interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Donald Trump:

• Supported Elon Musk’s budget-cutting efforts targeting federal agencies like USAID.
• Claimed the U.S. subsidizes Canada with $200 billion annually.
• Suggested that making Canada the 51st state was a real consideration.
• Argued that the U.S. is “not rich” due to its rising national debt.

These comments quickly went viral, sparking widespread debates across social media platforms and news outlets.

🔎 PleaseFactCheck.com Investigation:

1️⃣ The $200 Billion “Subsidy” to Canada Claim:

• The actual U.S. trade deficit with Canada in 2024 was approximately $63 billion (goods) and $41 billion when including services.
• A trade deficit is NOT a subsidy. It reflects the difference between what the U.S. imports from Canada and what it exports.
• Defense spending doesn’t account for this figure either—Canada’s total defense budget in 2024

2️⃣ Making Canada the 51st State:

• No official plan or policy exists for Canada to become a U.S. state.
  Trump’s comment appeared to be rhetorical with no political backing.
  3️⃣ “U.S. Isn’t Rich” Due to Debt:
• While the U.S. has a $36 trillion debt, it also boasts the world’s largest GDP at $27.7 trillion.
  Per capita wealth rankings place the U.S. 4th globally—only behind Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Debt doesn’t equate to poverty; the U.S. remains an economic powerhouse.
  
  ⚠️ Conclusion:
  Trump’s claims about U.S.-Canada trade, national wealth, and territorial expansion are false or misleading.
  Always verify such statements before sharing.