Former Governor Jesse Ventura Drops Political Bombshell: Wants Minnesota to Become Canada's 11th Province
In a stunning political development that has captured attention across North America, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has proposed a radical solution to growing tensions between his state and the federal government. The legendary wrestler-turned-politician suggested on a recent podcast that Minnesota should "petition" to leave the United States and become Canada's 11th province.
Ventura's Provocative Proposal on The SpinSisters Podcast
The controversial comments came during an appearance on The SpinSisters podcast, where Ventura didn't hold back his frustration with current political dynamics. "Instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America and lose their health care," Ventura declared, "I'd like to see Minnesota, all of us, become Canadians."
The former Reform Party governor, who served Minnesota from 1999 to 2003, made it clear he was delivering what he called a "backhand chop" to the political establishment. His comments come at a particularly tense moment in Minnesota politics, where current Governor Tim Walz and congressional representatives like Ilhan Omar are engaged in heated disputes with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement incidents.
Political Context and Minnesota's Current Climate
Ventura's proposal emerges against a backdrop of what he describes as "bad times in Minnesota" that feel "like a civil war." The former governor specifically referenced recent fatal shootings involving federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, suggesting these incidents exemplify the deteriorating relationship between Minnesota and federal authorities.
"How about since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and we're so out of control, let's join Canada," Ventura suggested during the podcast interview. He added with characteristic bluntness: "If they don't want us, I am sure Canada would be happy to take us."
Sports Implications of a Potential Minnesota-Canada Union
The proposal carries significant implications for professional sports across North America. If Minnesota were to become part of Canada, several major league franchises would undergo nationality changes:
- The Minnesota Vikings would become Canada's first NFL team
- The Minnesota Twins would give Canada a second MLB franchise
- The Minnesota Timberwolves would provide Canada with a 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 fans might appreciate that Scarborough native Leonard Miller, currently playing for the Timberwolves, would no longer require immigration documentation to play for what would become his home country's team.
Ventura's Critique of Trump and American Politics
The former governor didn't mince words when discussing his motivations, placing blame squarely on former President Donald Trump. "It's obvious he's ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly," Ventura stated, referring to Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada should become America's 51st state.
Ventura's comments arrive during the United States' 250th anniversary year, adding symbolic weight to his secession suggestion. The proposal would leave America with just 49 states, a development Ventura described as "a body slam to Trump's vision" of American dominance across North America.
Canadian Response and Practical Considerations
While Ventura's proposal currently exists more as political theater than practical policy, it raises fascinating questions about cross-border relations. The former governor emphasized his preference for "Canadian ice over American ICE," playing on the acronym for Immigration and Customs Enforcement while highlighting what he sees as more favorable Canadian policies.
From a Canadian perspective, absorbing Minnesota would bring substantial natural resources, including thousands of additional lakes for fishing and expanded snowmobiling trails. The economic and cultural integration would represent one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in North American history since the Alaska Purchase.
As political tensions continue to simmer between Minnesota and federal authorities, Ventura's provocative suggestion serves as both political commentary and a dramatic thought experiment about the future of North American borders and relationships.
