A parliamentary petition calling for Canada to revoke Elon Musk’s citizenship has gathered more than 250,000 signatures, reflecting growing concerns among Canadian residents over his ties to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Petitioners argue that Musk’s association with Trump—who has pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports next month and has even suggested annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state—is “against the national interest of Canada.”
Musk’s Political Ties Spark Controversy
The tech billionaire, who holds citizenship in South Africa, Canada, and the United States, has emerged as a close ally of Trump since the 47th president assumed office last month.
“He has used his wealth and power to influence our elections,” the petition claims, further alleging that “he has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.”
In response to news of the petition, Musk posted on his social media platform X, dismissing it with the comment: “Canada is not a real country.”
Legal Hurdles and Citizenship Background
Addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the petition demands that Musk’s “dual citizenship status and Canadian passport be revoked effective immediately.” However, legal experts question whether the government has the authority to strip Musk of his legally obtained citizenship.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk acquired Canadian citizenship as a teenager through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Canada. He later gained U.S. citizenship after moving there on a student visa.
Petition Process and Political Fallout
For an electronic parliamentary petition to proceed, it must first secure support from at least five Canadian citizens, be endorsed by a member of Parliament, and pass an initial review by the House of Commons. The petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship remains open until June 20, 2025. Once closed, at least 500 signatures must be verified before it can be presented for debate in the House of Commons.
Meanwhile, Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada the “51st state” have sparked mixed reactions. The U.S. president has even mocked Trudeau on social media, referring to him as the “Governor” of Canada.
Earlier this month, Trudeau reportedly told a gathering of private-sector executives that Trump’s threats to annex Canada were “a real thing,” according to two business leaders in attendance.
