Is the U.S. preparing to invade Canada? And is what it's doing straight out of Putin's playbook?

 

Normally I avoid conspiracy theories of all kinds, from the right and from the left. And, at first, the idea that the U.S. might invade Canada sounded preposterous. Seriously? Never happen. 

But then the Democrats in Congress sponsored a Bill on March 6 (H.R.1936) to “prohibit funds for the Armed Forces to engage in operations to invade or seize territory from Canada, the Republic of Panama, or the self-governing territory of Greenland.” 

Known as the “No Invading Allies Act,” the bill was introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in response to President Trump’s repeated threats to annex Canada, reclaim the Panama Canal, and acquire Greenland—all while refusing to rule out the use of military force for territorial expansion. 

The legislation seeks to reinforce Congress’s oversight of military engagements and prevent unilateral actions that could destabilize partnerships with America’s longtime economic and geopolitical allies. 

According to The Debrief, a news site reporting on science, tech, and defense news, the Bill is currently under review by the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees. 

Under Section 3 of the bill, military operations against countries like Canada would only be allowed if Congress declares war or provides specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency arises from an attack or imminent threat of attack on the U.S., its territories, or its Armed Forces. 

The Debrief goes on to note the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, and the War Powers Resolution of 1973 limits presidential military actions to 60 days without congressional approval. 

Trump’s recent statements regarding territorial expansion prompted Magaziner to submit the Bill due to concerns about the possibility of him taking unilateral action against a country like Canada. 

“This isn’t just about Trump,” Magaziner’s Office said in a statement. “It’s about safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring no president, Democrat or Republican, can unilaterally drag the U.S. into unnecessary conflicts with our allies.” 

The bill had eight Democratic cosponsors, but according to MSNBC is unlikely to advance through the House. 

It’s not just news out of the U.S. that points in this direction. In February Prime Minister Trudeau, speaking about the threat of tariffs, said that the Trump administration “keep[s] talking about absorbing us and making us the 51st state.” 

He went on to say that Trump has floated the idea of taking over Canada because he wants to access the country's critical minerals. 

"Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing," Trudeau said.

Absorbing Canada and invading Canada are two different things. The latter would never happen. Right? 

Then I came across a post on X by Malcontent News (MN), a left-leaning online news source. 

According to MN, what Trump is doing with his bluster and talk of tariffs is creating the conditions to justify a land invasion of Canada. “Someone needs to say it,” MN said. “The messaging is undeniable.” 

By that, they meant messages from Trump and others calling the U.S.-Canada international border “artificial” and his constant referral to Canada as the 51^st state, speaking dismissively about the country and its government (“not a real country”) and speaking about the Prime Minister as “governor Trudeau.” 

The MN went on to say this is similar to the strategy used by Putin before invading Ukraine. “This is straight out of Putin's playbook,” MN said. 

Why does Trump want to annex Canada? According to MN, “it's the same reason Russia wants to conquer Ukraine. ‘Lebensraum’ and to pillage its wealth and resources.” Things like aluminum, cobalt, oil, natural gas, diamonds, gold, timber, uranium and water. 

If MN is right, it also explains why Trump is reluctant to criticize Putin’s actions in Ukraine—if he wants to do the same thing to Canada, how can he be critical of Russia’s actions against its neighbour? 

It’s crazy talk—right? It’s downright crazy to think that U.S. troops and tanks might be seen on the streets of Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and elsewhere.

But we live in a world of crazy right now. Things we assumed would never happen in the U.S. have happened and are happening. Why not this, too? 

What’s more likely, I think, is that Trump hopes his tariffs will cause Canada to bend the knee and kiss his ring and come willingly into America. 

If that’s the case, he will be surprised; as Mark Carney said when he became the new leader of the Liberal Party on March 9: “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves.” 

For now, I am guarded. I don't think it will happen. But I am watching. And ready to drop the gloves.