Former prime minister Stephen Harper did not take a liking to President Donald Trump’s 51st State jokes.

In a post on X, Harper didn’t mention Trump specifically, yet made sure it was known what he was referring to. Harper wrote:
“True when I said it, true today. ‘Canada is, and always has been, our country. And we want Canada to be a True North that is as strong and as free as it can be in every way that matters: the best country in the world. That’s why we’re here, that’s why we strive, that’s why we serve. Canada must reflect the true character of the Canadian people: honourable in our dealings, faithful to our commitments, loyal to our friends. By turns, a courageous warrior and a compassionate neighbour. It is our purpose that Canada must be great, it must be great for all Canadians, it must be a country of hope and an example to the world. And only when it is these things, when Canada is all that it can be, only then can we say that our work is done.'”