This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
PALM BEACH, Florida – President Donald Trump says his desire to make Canada America's 51st state is not all talk, but actually a "real thing."
Trump made the disclosure to Bret Baier of Fox News during a pre-recorded interview that aired Sunday afternoon during the pre-game show of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Baier asked Trump directly: "The prime minister said this weekend to a group of Canadian businessmen – it was a private meeting – he said that your wish for Canada to be the 51st state is a real thing. Is it a real thing?"
"Yeah, it is," Trump responded.
"I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada and I'm not gonna let that happen. It's too much.
"Why are we paying $200 billion a year? Essentially a subsidy to Canada. Now. If they're a 51st state, I don't mind doing it."
Trump also said his recent tariff announcements on Canada and Mexico for border security and drug interdiction were not enough.
"Something has to happen. It's not sustainable," he indicated.
On a lighter note, Baier said to Trump, "You are the most recognized person in the world, likely the most imitated person in the world. Every comedian has a Donald Trump imitation. Every one.
"But now you have UFC fighters winning fights, NFL players doing the Trump dance. Did you ever think that was gonna be a thing?"
"No, I didn't," Trump replied.
"I mean, we do these rallies. They've always been great but they got really great.
"It's just, I don't know what it is. I try and walk off sometimes without dancing and I can't. I have to dance because it's just got something special about it."
The remainder of Baier's interview with Trump is set to air Monday on Fox News.
