Trump jokes Canada can retain national anthem if it becomes 51st US state

During a speech at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington on February 20, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by joking that Canada could retain its national anthem, "O Canada," if it were to become the 51st U.S. state.

Trump, who has previously made light of the idea of Canada joining the United States, revisited the topic in front of an audience of Republican governors. The remarks followed a recent incident where Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem ahead of an international hockey game in Montreal, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In his speech, Trump said, "I think ultimately they’ll be praising the national anthem. We’ll have to work out some deal... because I do like the 'O Canada' all right." He added, "It’s a beautiful thing. I think we’re going to have to keep it for the 51st state."

By Vugar Khalilov