The 51st State: Trump Wants Our Resources, and Canada Must Stand on Guard

Read about topics discussed in Episode 156 of The Bill Kelly Podcast

Jun 06, 2025

Today, we’re peeling back the layers of a quiet but deeply concerning development — one that every Canadian ought to be paying close attention to. We’ve had a lot of great feedback from you, our listeners, about topics that matter most right now. The goal of this podcast — from our radio roots to now — has always been to spark informed, engaged dialogue. And today’s issue? It’s not just theoretical. It’s already happening.

We’ve previously discussed the destabilizing economic influence of Donald Trump. But there’s a larger game in play here, and it has everything to do with the powerful, monied interests that surround him. Trump himself may not have the intellectual firepower to orchestrate a long-game strategy — but make no mistake, there are those around him who do. Think Elon Musk, who used his proximity to power during Trump’s first term to bulldoze environmental guardrails and reshape policy for personal gain. He’s not the only one. A cohort of American and global billionaires is eyeing something Canada has in abundance: critical minerals and freshwater.

The Mineral and Water Wars Have Already Begun

Why should this worry us? Because what we possess — rare earth elements and vast stores of clean water — are no longer just valuable; they’re essential. These aren't speculative assets. These are the building blocks of the next generation of global industry, and we’re sitting on top of one of the richest deposits on the planet. Gallium, cobalt, tungsten, niobium, bismuth — these elements, collectively known as REEs (Rare Earth Elements), are fundamental to everything from electric vehicles to advanced weaponry. And most of them are found right here in Canada, stretching across provinces from Alberta to Quebec.

Mining for these resources is already happening. But here’s the catch: many of the corporations operating these sites aren’t Canadian. They’re American. They’re Chinese. They’re already here, extracting value, and they want more. This isn’t about cooperation. It’s about control. And if we’re not vigilant, Canada risks becoming the next target in a quiet annexation of resources — a soft power play disguised as business-as-usual.

“Nice Country You Got Here…”

Trump’s talk of Canada becoming the “51st state” used to sound like buffoonery. But now, in the context of our resource-rich land and America’s growing desperation for minerals and clean water, it's starting to sound like a plan. A deeply flawed and dangerous one, but a plan nonetheless. Trump isn’t suggesting negotiation. He’s suggesting acquisition. He’s not interested in trade — he’s interested in ownership. And in a second Trump administration, surrounded by billionaires who see Canada as their next ATM, that rhetoric could quickly become policy.

Let’s not forget: water is the next oil. Trump himself has made chillingly cavalier comments, referring to Canada as “a big faucet” that the U.S. should be able to turn on and off at will. That’s how they see us — not as a neighbor or partner, but as a utility. As if we’re just sitting here waiting to be tapped, our sovereignty up for grabs. And it’s not just hyperbole. There are parts of the U.S. — California, the Midwest, the Southwest — that are desperate for clean water. And the Great Lakes? They’re already in their sights.

The Players Behind the Curtain

And make no mistake — that’s who’s in charge. This isn’t government for the people. This is governance by the billionaire class. The Elon Musks. The Jeff Bezoses. Those who have the most to gain by weakening Canadian protections and taking what they need. Trump is their instrument — a vessel for private interests masked as political leadership. And Canadians? We’re collateral. Unless we do something about it.

Canada's natural resources are not just national assets. They’re leverage. They’re bargaining chips. And they must be protected. In past generations, the U.S. had at least a modicum of respect for our sovereignty. There were trade negotiations, shared agreements, and mutual interest. But today’s climate — politically and literally — has changed. Relations with China have soured. American access to their own critical minerals is drying up. And that leaves Canada. We're now the next logical step in their resource strategy. Not by mutual agreement, but by silent absorption.

And while it sounds conspiratorial, this mindset — this MAGA-era exceptionalism — has real legislative teeth. Trump and his allies are already proposing laws that could delay midterm elections under the guise of “national security.” If that sounds Draconian, that’s because it is.

Canadians Must Stand On Guard

So what do we do? First, we stay informed. We stay loud. We pay attention to the signals, subtle and overt, coming from our neighbours to the south. We press our leaders — yes, Prime Minister Carney and the rest of Parliament — to defend our sovereignty proactively. Not reactively. Because by the time the first American trucks roll in to siphon our water or mine our minerals without consultation, it will be too late.

We must also remember that not all Americans share this vision. There are countless citizens and legislators in the U.S. who respect Canada and understand the danger posed by Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. We need to work with those allies. Build coalitions. Create public discourse that frames Canada not as a resource depot but as a sovereign equal. Because once that perception is lost, it’s hard to get back.

In a few short weeks, Trump is expected to arrive in Kananaskis, Alberta for the G7 meetings. You better believe that water and minerals will be on the agenda — maybe not in the public briefings, but certainly behind closed doors. We can only hope that when he steps off that helicopter, he’s met not with polite silence but with firm Canadian resolve. We’re not here to be bought, absorbed, or exploited.

Let’s be clear: we are not fearmongering. This is a call to awareness. A reminder that in an age where billionaires play chess with nations, Canada cannot afford to be a pawn. Our minerals. Our water. Our land. Our future. All of it is worth protecting.

Until next time — stay in touch and stay informed.

– Bill Kelly

Bill Kelly’s Substack

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