Podcaster Joe Rogan doesn’t support Donald Trump on Canada, instead wants this country to be USA’s 51st state

Podcast giant Joe Rogan has waded into the escalating diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Canada, calling for cooler heads to prevail amid heated rhetoric from politicians and sports fans alike. The controversy, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and jokes about annexing Canada as the “51st state,” reached a boiling point recently as viral videos showed American athletes being met with boos during the national anthem at NHL and NBA games in Canadian cities.

Anthems and Anger: Sports Become a Political Battleground

The tradition of playing both national anthems at cross-border sporting events has backfired spectacularly, with U.S. teams facing jeers from Canadian crowds. Clips of the Star-Spangled Banner being drowned out by boos before games in Toronto and Montreal have racked up millions of views, highlighting the spillover of political tensions into culture. Critics argue the hostility undermines the longtime alliance between the neighboring nations, which share the world’s longest undefended border and deep economic ties.

Rogan’s Plea: “We Need to Fix This”

On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (#2290) with comedian Michael Kosta, Rogan dismissed the feud as “the dumbest thing there is,” urging both sides to repair the relationship. He expressed disbelief at growing anti-Canadian sentiment in the US, particularly from critics questioning Canada’s reliance on American military support. Rogan emphasized that Canada’s lack of a standalone military shouldn’t be a wedge issue, stating bluntly that the two countries need to “become friends again” rather than stoking division.

The podcaster’s comments come as Trump doubles down on protectionist trade policies, including proposed tariffs on Canadian goods like lumber and electric vehicles. While some conservatives applaud the tough stance, Rogan’s push for diplomacy resonates with moderates wary of damaging a partnership that supports millions of jobs.

Beyond Rogan’s remarks, the rift reflects broader debates over nationalism and globalization. Canada is the U.S.’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 trillion annually. Economists warn that punitive tariffs could disrupt supply chains for industries like automotive manufacturing, which relies heavily on cross-border collaboration.

Meanwhile, Canadian leaders have cautiously avoided escalating rhetoric, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating, “Our friendship is bigger than any political moment.” As Rogan’s plea circulates online, the question remains: Can two nations so deeply intertwined afford to let politics poison the well?

FAQs:

Why are U.S. teams being booed in Canada?
Canadian crowds have targeted the Star-Spangled Banner at games as a protest against Trump’s policies and remarks, though many argue sports should remain apolitical. What’s behind Trump’s focus on Canada?
Trump has long criticized Canada’s trade practices, accusing the country of taking advantage of the U.S. His rhetoric aligns with his “America First” agenda, though experts warn tariffs could harm both economies.