Louisiana’s lieutenant governor said that “it would be really nice” if U.S. President Donald Trump apologized for calls for additional tariffs and 51st state remarks on Canada.
While in Canada to promote tourism in his state, Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said he has encountered “pushback” from people upset about Trump’s remarks.
“I [didn’t] realize what the impact has been until I got here, but the pushback from the president’s comments about the 51st state, the tariffs, have really left a bad taste in Canadians’ mouths,” he said during an interview with FOX 8 Live.
“It would really be nice if the president could issue an apology about the 51st state. I think that would go a long way. At least many of the people up here believe it would.”
Billy Nungesser, lieutenant governor of Louisiana, during a visit to Canada (Facebook)
Trump first suggested that Canada become the 51st state during dinner in December 2024 with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
On Feb. 3, Trump stated, “What I’d like to see: Canada become our 51st state. We give them protection, military protection. We don’t need them to build our cars, I’d rather see Detroit or South Carolina.”
According to Kelly Schulz, senior vice president of communications and public relations for New Orleans & Company, Canada is the city’s “most important international market.” She said that the city welcomed 179,000 visitors from Canada in 2019, while 120,000 Canadians visited in 2024.
Nungesser isn’t the only one trying to pacify angry Canadians.
In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a campaign offering Canadian tourists discounts on hotels, activities, and attractions. And, fed up with Trump’s rhetoric about tariffs and the 51st state, Burlington, Vermont, temporarily renamed the popular Church Street to Canada Street.
Several Canadians made their stance clear by cancelling their U.S. vacations, instead choosing to spend their tourism dollars at home by travelling within Canada or abroad.
Craig Heinrich (centre) (Supplied) | Aparna Ramesh (left) (Supplied)
Ontario resident Craig Heinrich told Daily Hive in an email that he cancelled a $14,000 family trip to California, and instead travelled to Alberta. He added that he would only travel to the U.S. again if “they reverse course and elect a government that isn’t solely interested in the ultra-rich and big business interests.”
Angered by Trump’s comments, B.C. resident Aparna Ramesh cancelled a family vacation to Texas, Virginia, and New York. This summer, the family chose to travel locally.
“The kids were more disappointed than my partner and I, since they were looking forward to seeing New York,” she said. “I am convinced that it was the right decision. Supporting our local economy is a priority now.”
