Former Governor Jesse Ventura Proposes Minnesota Join Canada as 11th Province
In a provocative statement that has captured national attention, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has suggested that his state should consider leaving the United States and petitioning to become Canada's 11th province. The controversial proposal comes amid escalating political tensions between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration.
Ventura's Bold Secession Suggestion
During a recent appearance on The SpinSisters podcast, Ventura, who served as Minnesota's 38th governor from 1999 to 2003, floated the idea of Minnesota joining Canada. "Instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America and lose their health care," Ventura stated, "I'd like to see Minnesota, all of us, become Canadians."
The former professional wrestler turned politician elaborated on his reasoning, pointing to what he perceives as deteriorating relations between Minnesota and the current presidential administration. "How about since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and we're so out of control, let's join Canada," Ventura proposed during the interview.
Political Context and Minnesota's Current Climate
Ventura's comments emerge during a period of significant political friction between Minnesota's current leadership and federal authorities. Governor Tim Walz and Congress members, including Representative Ilhan Omar, have been engaged in heated exchanges with the Trump administration following the deaths of two Minnesota citizens during confrontations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The former governor didn't mince words when discussing the current political climate, describing Minnesota as experiencing conditions reminiscent of "a civil war." Ventura specifically criticized President Trump, stating, "It's obvious he's ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly."
Implications for Sports and Culture
Should Ventura's improbable proposal ever materialize, it would have significant implications for professional sports in North America. Minnesota currently hosts several major league franchises that would become Canadian teams overnight:
- The Minnesota Vikings would become Canada's first NFL team
- The Minnesota Twins would join Toronto as Canada's second MLB franchise
- The Minnesota Timberwolves would become Canada's second NBA team
- The Minnesota Wild would become Canada's eighth NHL club
This transition would create intriguing new rivalries, particularly between the Minnesota Wild and neighboring Manitoba's Winnipeg Jets in the NHL. Canadian basketball player Leonard Miller, currently with the Timberwolves, would no longer require special immigration status to play for his team.
Ventura's Canadian Preference
In a clever play on words that highlights his political stance, Ventura made his preferences clear: "I prefer Canadian ice over American ICE." This statement directly contrasts Canada's winter climate with the U.S. immigration enforcement agency that has been at the center of recent controversies in Minnesota.
The former governor expressed confidence that Canada would welcome Minnesota, stating, "If they don't want us, I am sure Canada would be happy to take us." He framed the proposal as a response to what he perceives as Minnesota being unwanted by the current U.S. administration.
Historical Context and Trump's Response
Ventura's suggestion arrives during the United States' 250th anniversary year, adding symbolic weight to the secession proposal. The idea directly counters President Trump's own statements about potentially making Canada America's 51st state, including recent social media posts featuring the American flag over all of North America.
While Ventura acknowledged his proposal was designed to "make some headlines," he framed it as a serious response to what he views as Minnesota's deteriorating relationship with federal authorities. The former governor characterized Minnesota potentially becoming a Canadian province as "a body slam to Trump's vision" of American dominance.
Practical Considerations and Next Steps
Ventura suggested that Minnesota residents should actively "petition to get out of the United States" if they feel unwanted by the current administration. While the proposal remains largely symbolic, it highlights growing regional tensions within the United States and raises questions about state-federal relations under the current political climate.
The former governor's comments have sparked discussions about what Minnesota joining Canada would mean for both nations, from expanded natural resources and recreational opportunities to complex constitutional and political considerations that would accompany such an unprecedented territorial transfer.
