Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse “The Body” Ventura said Minnesota should consider leaving the United States and joining Canada, framing the idea as a response to what he described as growing political hostility toward the state.
Ventura made the remarks during an appearance on the SpinSisters show on Thursday.
“I’m serious,” Ventura says
During the interview, Ventura said he was “serious” about Minnesota seceding from the Union and contacting Canadian officials about the possibility of the state being absorbed into Canada. (RELATED: Trump Admin Officials Met With Alberta Separatist Group, Canadian Leaders Condemn Talks)
He specifically pointed to President Donald Trump, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric and policies — culminating in a sweeping immigration crackdown under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino — reflected unbridled animus toward Minnesota. (RELATED: Inside Trump’s DOJ: Colin McDonald, Blanche, Bondi, And The Chain Of Command)
Ventura did not outline any legal or procedural steps for how such a move could occur, nor did he cite any conversations with Canadian officials.
The Daily News continues:
Former Navy Seal, professional wresting hall-of-famer and ex-Minnesota Governor Jesse “The Body” Ventura believes his state might be better off if it were to become a part of Canada.
“Since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and we’re so ‘out of control,’ let’s join Canada,” he said during a recent appearance on The SpinSister’s podcast. “Instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America … I’d like to see Minnesota, all of us become Canadians.”
The 74-year-old veteran has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration’s lethal use of federal troops in the North Star State.
Ventura said Saturday — the day ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis — that secession might not be a bad idea.
“It’s obvious Trump doesn’t want us,” Ventura said. “It’s obvious he’s ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly. If they don’t want us, I’m sure Canada would be happy to take us.”
No political support or action
There is no indication that any political leaders in Minnesota or Canada are considering or acting on Ventura’s proposal.
No state officials have endorsed the idea, and there has been no response from Canadian government leaders. The comments appear to be rhetorical rather than part of any organized policy effort.
A familiar political talking point
Suggestions about U.S. states joining Canada have surfaced before, often as jokes or protest statements tied to partisan frustration or U.S.-Canada relations.
Canadian politicians have occasionally joked about “buying” U.S. states such as Alaska or Minnesota, and former U.S. President Donald Trump has frequently quipped about Canada becoming the “51st state.”
None of those remarks, like Ventura’s latest comments, have led to any serious political movement or negotiations.
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You can go right after you pay all the billions back. OR Canada can reimburse the US. Take your pick
If Minnesota joined the 51st state, what would that accomplish? Jesse, I live in Minnesota too and would much prefer YOU left Minnesota and joined Canada — you deserve each other.
What a bunch of clowns. Canadians dislike the theft of tens of billions just as much as we do.
One too many head butts.
I live in Canada and the last thing we need is more angry Mercans up here
There’s a reason he’s called “the body” and not “the brain.”
Jesse “Back to the Future” Ventura lacks any credibility.
The U.S. government, and the people of the U.S., are NOT against Minnesota. Not a chance!
We are all against corruption, illegals sucking the money out of hard working LEGAL Americans, and socialist/communists who DEMAND that we, against the will of the majority of American citizens, become a socialist/communist country.
WE WILL NOT DO THAT! You may be SURE of that!
All for Minnesota becoming part of Canada as long as Ventura goes with it. The problem is like all the celebrities that had hissy fits and left our country now they want to come back. The grass isn’t always greener once you get there.