Bryan Adams has released a new single titled '51st State' on Canada Day (July 1, 2026), directly mocking U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. The song is a tongue-in-cheek rock anthem celebrating Canadian pride and identity, responding to what Adams calls Trump's 'ridiculous narrative' about Canada being better off joining the U.S.
Adams Speaks Out on Canadian Pride
Adams, who has lived in London for decades but remains one of Canada's most recognizable musical exports, said in a statement: 'I wanted to write something about Canada because Canada is home. There is more that binds us than divides us. This is a tribute to the pride and spirit of my fellow Canadians - the rest is just noise.' The single marks Adams' entry into a growing list of musicians who have publicly opposed Trump, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA, and Beyoncé.
Trump's '51st State' Rhetoric
During his second term, Trump has repeatedly proposed that Canada become the 51st state, using the idea as a trade negotiation tactic and a regular talking point. In March 2025, amid intense trade disputes over U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, Trump posted on social media: 'The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.' Trump has claimed the U.S. effectively 'subsidises' Canada to the tune of $200 billion a year through trade deficits and defence spending.
Origins and Canadian Response
The idea reportedly originated as a joke during a late 2024 Mar-a-Lago dinner with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but the rhetoric persisted into 2025 and 2026. During a tense May 2025 Oval Office meeting, Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, firmly told Trump that Canada is 'not for sale.' Adams' new single adds a musical voice to the Canadian resistance, blending humour with a message of unity and optimism rooted in his own connection to his homeland.
Impact and Reception
Released on Canada Day, '51st State' has been embraced as an anthem of national pride. The song directly challenges Trump's narrative while promoting a positive vision of Canadian identity. Adams, known for hits like 'Summer of '69,' continues to use his platform to engage with political issues, joining other artists who have voiced opposition to Trump's policies.
