Canadians, Americans and social media users globally are wondering if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated bids to make Canada the 51st state of the U.S.A. — which started as a joke following Justin Trudeau’s Mar-a-Lago visit — is a serious proposition after all.

Trump sparked a flurry of passionate conversations online over the Christmas holidays, as he reasserted the idea of making Canada a part of America in a post on Truth Social. He also pitched the idea of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as the next prime minister (“soon to be Governor of Canada“) in another viral post.

The Republican’s comments on Christmas Day resulted in a mix of responses from users, many of who wondered if the incoming U.S. president meant it as a joke or not. Some people also saw Trump’s approach to Canada as a cause of worry since his most recent push to making Canada the 51st state comes amid his plans to buy Greenland and taking over the Panama Canal.

“It no longer looks like a joke,” noted a German user on X, formerly known as Twitter.

‘We need a celebrity that Trump already likes’: Canadians react to Trump floating Gretzky as prime minister

Trump called upon Gretzky to run for Prime Minister of Canada, noting in the suggestion made via his Truth Social post on Christmas Day that he “wouldn’t even have to campaign.”

Trump’s comments are part of a series of provocative statements about Canada. Referring to the Canadian Prime Minister as the “Governor of Canada,” Trump suggested Gretzky could bring leadership change. In his post, he stated, “I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles. I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada … You would win easily!’”

Gretzky is one of Canada’s most beloved figures, and was recently associated with Trump after attending his U.S. election night party at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Trump’s call for Gretzky to run sparked mixed reactions — some considering the idea of having Gretzky sign on as a symbolic figure, while others expressed having “soured” over his close association to the Republican leader.

Trump promises significant reduction in taxes for Canadians if the countries merge borders

To make it more tempting for Canadians, Trump offered cutting taxes by “more than 60 per cent,” which would see Canadian businesses “immediately double in size” in a world where Canada becomes the 51st state.

Trump’s Christmas Day comments sparked a frenzy online, leaving many to feeling uncertain about the foreseeable future.

Trump’s focus on Canada aligns with his broader, unconventional geopolitical ideas. Alongside Canada, he has also expressed interest in purchasing Greenland and gaining control of the Panama Canal, moves reflecting his strategic ambitions for U.S. dominance.

Trump’s demands from Canada: Border security and seizing of drugs

Donald Trump’s repeated suggestion to incorporate Canada follows Trudeau’s visit to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where Trump reportedly pressed Trudeau on illegal border crossings and drug trafficking. Trump demanded stronger measures, framing these as critical to American security. During the meeting, Trump jokingly suggested Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S.A. if it can not deliver on those two demands.

Challenges for Trudeau have only grown ever since. First, he was dealt a blow in Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigning from his cabinet and later, NDP’s Jagmeet Singh announcing his willingness to bring down the Trudeau government with a non-confidence vote when Parliament resumes on Jan. 27.

Trudeau’s holiday message to Canadians draws mixed reaction

During a holiday period that was driven by serious calls for him to step down as prime minister, Trudeau issued a Christmas message for Canadians — which seemed to struggle in gaining much positive traction.

In his message, Trudeau implored Canadians to come together and “put our politics aside, even when that one cousin makes it really hard.”

The message seemed to have rubbed some Canadians the wrong way as they didn’t shy away from expressing their dissatisfaction with the prime minister.

Others appreciated the message from Trudeau, as they expressed optimism ahead.

“Merry Christmas Justin, may our beautiful country see better times next year,” wrote one user on X.

“From an American neighbour: a much appreciated universal message of good will to all. Thank you for your authentic grace and caring,” wrote another.