Top White House advisor Navarro pushes for US-Canada border redrawing
3 Min Read
Navarro has also reportedly proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, the world’s most significant intelligence network.
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White House trade counselor Peter Navarro speaks with reporters at the White House, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
A senior White House official has threatened to redraw the US-Canada border amid President Donald Trump's intentions to make Canada the "51st state", The Telegraph reported on Thursday.
Peter Navarro, one of Trump’s closest advisors, is reportedly pushing US negotiators to discuss potential border revisions with their Canadian counterparts.
A source close to negotiations told The Telegraph, "Navarro recommended revising the Canada-US border, which is just crazy and dangerous."
In response, Canada has instructed its delegates to withdraw from negotiations with the US until Jameson Greer and Howard Lutnick, two incoming members of Trump’s cabinet, receive Senate confirmation, as Ottawa views the two as more moderate figures, according to the source.
Navarro has also reportedly proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, the world’s most significant intelligence network, but he has since denied making such a proposal.
"My view is that we should never have to comment on any story where it’s based on unnamed sources," Navarro told reporters on Tuesday, adding, "We would never, ever jeopardize our national security, ever, with allies like Canada, ever."
Insiders say Navarro, who enjoys direct access to the Oval Office due to his close ties with Trump, has been exerting significant influence, with some staffers feeling unable to challenge his positions, the report indicated.
"Peter Navarro is in post, and he is taking advantage of being there by himself with no one else in post to challenge his extreme positions. This will change as soon as the many other trade and economic positions are filled," the source explained.
"By default of no competition, he is temporarily ruling the roost."
Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada should become the 51st US state, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom the US President has mockingly referred to as "Governor Trudeau", has firmly rejected the idea.
Trudeau was recently caught on an open microphone warning that Trump’s persistent calls for annexation could start to seem "real" after initially dismissing them as a joke.
Earlier this week, Trump confirmed plans to proceed with 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. The tariffs had been paused for 30 days after Trudeau agreed to enhance efforts to combat illegal migration and drug trafficking into the US.
As part of those efforts, Canada pledged to bolster security along the northern border with additional helicopters, surveillance technology, and personnel.
However, Trump is now seeking control of the Keystone XL Pipeline—a $9 billion project designed to transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada’s western tar sands to US refineries.
The pipeline has long been a source of friction between Washington and Ottawa, reflecting competing economic interests, environmental concerns, and political commitments.
In immediate retaliation for Trump’s tariffs, Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, including alcohol, furniture, and orange juice. Canadian officials also hinted at discouraging travel to the US.
"We don’t want to be here. We didn’t ask for this. But we will not back down," Trudeau said.
"We’re certainly not looking to escalate but we will stand up for Canada."
Read more: Trump says Trudeau destroyed Canada with 'radical', 'Marxist policies'
