A close ally of Donald Trump has suggested that Mexico should be integrated into the United States, reigniting historic debates and raising questions about sovereignty and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The controversial podcaster Joe Rogan caused a stir last Tuesday by suggesting that, like Canada, Mexico should be incorporated into the United States.
Rogan, who hosts one of the most listened to podcasts in the world, used his Instagram account to comment on a publication No. Social Truth of the president-elect Donald Trump, where Trump proposed that Canada become the 51st US state.
Joe Rogan didn't miss the opportunity to add: “Let Mexico in too".
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Why does it matter
Joe Rogan has a massive audience and wields considerable influence, especially among young adults, many of whom are Republicans or independents.
While it's unclear whether Rogan was serious or just teasing, his words add fuel to the debate over possible U.S. expansion under an eventual Trump's second term.
Trump's proposal
In the original post, Trump said many Canadians would like to join the US due to the country's weakening economy and political instability. He mentioned the prime minister's resignation. Justin Trudeau as an example of this crisis.
Trump claimed that by uniting, Canadians would benefit from lower taxes, eliminated tariffs and greater protection against threats from China and Russia.
"Canada would be invincible alongside the US! No tariffs and with total security. It would be a great nation!!!“, Trump wrote.
Territorial expansion on the agenda
The idea of territorial annexation is not new to Trump. During his previous term, he proposed buying the Greenland from Denmark and regain control of Panama Canal.
Now, the president-elect has not ruled out bringing these ideas back to the table when he returns to the White House.
On Tuesday, during a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Trump even suggested changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.
A symbolic maneuver, but loaded with geopolitical significance, especially given the promise to toughen policies against irregular immigration on the southern border.
Rogan and the public reaction to the Mexico proposal
Rogan's comment about Mexico joining the bloc drew polarized reactions. While some of the podcaster's supporters joked about the idea in the comments, Canadians were offended, reaffirming their pride in independence.
“We don’t want to be anyone’s 51st state,” said one user on social media.
The international politics expert Adam Chapnick, deputy director of the Canadian Forces College, told Newsweek: “The political situation in Canada is complex, but not comparable to Mexico. The popularity of the Mexican president with his people contrasts sharply with the current Canadian scenario.”
Chapnick added that the Mexican government, despite economic difficulties and U.S. tariff threats, has a much stronger support base than Canada under Trudeau.
Economists' reaction
Some economic analysts also weighed in. Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary, known for his appearances on the program Shark Tank, suggested that an economic union could have benefits:
“Imagine two economies functioning without trade barriers. That would transform the defense and industrial production capabilities of the entire continent,” he told Fox News.
But O'Leary's idea faces serious political and historical obstacles. Annexing new regions to the U.S. would require massive support from Congress and approval of local referendums — something that would face fierce resistance from lawmakers and Canadian and Mexican citizens alike.
Experts say that while the idea of absorbing Mexico or Canada is a political provocation, it would be unlikely to materialize. Proposals such as buying Greenland or retaking the Panama Canal also seem far from any practical reality, despite Trump's interest in strengthening the U.S. global presence.
Until then, statements like that of Joe Rogan and the attacks of Donald Trump will continue to move the North American geopolitical scene, especially in the period leading up to the presidential inauguration in January 20,.
Trump should annex Brazil, that's what.