Would you support a 51st state

By Aldin Avdic

Red and white flags waved around. Patriotic music sang from the crowd. Swears and signs were on display. Chants and middle fingers gave away. 

Protesting Donald Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st state, True North HQ gave a message to the president. No.  

On Instagram, Whatsgoodcalgary posted about the planned protest. Users posted their thoughts, many of who made fun of the whole ordeal.

“That's hilarious. Just a full-on commie running this page,” said Wildfiredaisy

“Fight fascism? You mean like when media and big business collude with gov't? I would gladly protest that, but it should be directed at our own politicians,” said Dreadlord_fluffy

“That will help! 😂,” said Mark_eshpeter_designs.

The organization behind the protest was True North HQ. The organization is “a grassroots movement based in Canada, formed in response to the actions of the current U.S. administration.”

The group started in February 2025, having its first protest in Toronto in March.

The Calgary protest took place Near city hall on Monday the 24.

While some online users were critical of the event, what do some Calgarians think?

Jack Mcbain wasn't aware of the protest that took place. While he does support an independent Canada, he wasn't sold on the protesters.

"Protesting against it, if you've got free time on your hands, whatever, " said Mcbain. "But I think there are better things we can be doing to act out against Americans, like thinking about ways we can support Canadians."

He felt that if people wanted to support Canada, then people should shop at Canadian brands.

Mcbain felt that the comments that Donald Trump made about annexing Canada were more about " trolling and picking fun at Canadians." And that nobody in the US government was seriously considering annexing Canada.

Another issue he had with the protest was that it wouldn't change anyone's mind in the US government.  

'It's not like Trump is sitting there, ' Oh, these people are protesting  I better stop the tariffs," said Mcbain. 

While Mcbain was more skeptical if the protest would work, Haley Campbell and Hanna Mciper had a more positive outlook.

"I think it is necessary, especially in the political climate we are in." said Campbell, "Speak out about what's going on and avoid becoming the 51st state. It seems very real at this point in time." 

Her friend Mciper echoed what she felt about the protest.

"I obviously agree,"  said Mciper about her support for the protest. "We are our own country." 

Unlike Mcbain, who felt that protesting wouldn't solve anything, saying that it would not 
change the minds of leaders, both Campbell and Mciper felt that mindset is what stops people from protesting.   

"We as people should be able to influence our government," said Mcbain. " We aren't powerless, we outnumber them by a long shot."   

            "We are our own country."

All sorts of protests have been held in Canada against the comments made by President Donald Trump. 

During the 4 nations' face-off, hosted by the NHL, Team USA and Team Canada made the playoffs. During the national anthem, Canadian fans booed the American anthem.

Toronto Raptors fans also booed the U.S. anthem. Showing their frustration with the comments made about annexing Canada.