Former Governor Jesse Ventura Advocates for Minnesota to Join Canada
In a provocative interview that has sparked national conversation, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has proposed a radical solution to political tensions with the Trump administration: Minnesota should secede from the United States and join Canada. The outspoken former professional wrestler turned politician made these remarks during a recent appearance on The SpinSisters podcast, a Minnesota-based show focusing on politics and policy.
A Serious Proposal for Secession
When asked by co-host Mary Lahammer about navigating the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Ventura responded with what he insists is a serious suggestion. "How about since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and we're so out of control, let's join Canada," Ventura stated. He elaborated that instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America and losing their healthcare system, he would prefer to see "Minnesota, all of us become Canadians."
Ventura proposed initiating a petition to leave the union and join Canada, expressing confidence that Canada would "be happy" to welcome Minnesotans. He even joked about the practical implications for neighboring states, saying, "And then all those Iowans, think of what a mess it'll be when they have to cross an international border to come up here fishing." Despite the hosts' chuckles, Ventura maintained his seriousness about the proposal.
Political Context and Criticism
The former Navy SEAL, who served in Vietnam, used the interview platform to criticize President Trump's lack of military experience and to blame him for tension and violence in Minneapolis. "If it weren't for President Trump, no one would be dying on the streets of Minneapolis," Ventura asserted. Throughout the hour-plus conversation, he continued to lambaste the president, though the hosts did not return to the secession topic after the initial exchange.
Historical Precedents for State Secession
Ventura's suggestion is not without precedent in recent political discourse. Before Trump was elected to a second term, Democratic New York State Senator Liz Krueger proposed that New York, along with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, should "combine and be a great new province as the southeast province of Canada." Krueger argued that these states, populated by progressive Democrats, would fit well with Canadian political philosophy.
Similarly, just before Trump's inauguration, Canadian Green Party Leader Elizabeth May jokingly suggested that California, Oregon, and Washington join Canada instead of Trump's repeated talk of Canada becoming the 51st state. May highlighted Canada's universal healthcare as a key benefit, saying, "Have we got a deal for you; free health care. Universal free health care."
Public Sentiment and Polling Data
Public opinion data suggests Ventura's idea resonates with some Americans. A Leger poll conducted last March found that one in five Americans (20 percent) say they would like their state to join Canada. This sentiment appears to be driven by political divisions and admiration for Canadian policies, particularly in healthcare and social programs.
Ventura's proposal, while extreme, reflects broader discussions about state sovereignty, political alignment, and international relations in an increasingly polarized climate. Whether as serious policy or political theater, it underscores the deep divisions in contemporary American politics.
