The Relationship Between Canada and the United States: A Debate Between "President Trump" and Becky Romero
With the help of ChatGPT, a public policy debate was held between myself and "President Trump."
AI crafted the moderator's questions based on inputs for suggested topics and I answered or responded to Trump's response or rebuttals. AI was instructed to look for Trump's past public comments and statements for assistance in crafting his responses. The moderator was given leedway without specifics to ask follow-ups based on our responses. It got quite heated at some points during the debate, but he didn't call me any names. But he lashed out with his typical insults at former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. For my comments, I gave AI certain parameters, links to my own past statements and policy proposals and I conservatively edited them as warranted.
Moderator: Welcome to tonight's debate. Our participants are President Donald Trump and Democrat policy analyst Becky Romero. Tonight we will cover various topics concerning the relationship between Canada and the United States, including healthcare, trade and national security. Each debater will have two minutes to answer a question on a given topic, followed by a one minute rebuttal, with further discussion on the topic at my discretion. Let’s get started.
Moderator: President Trump, in recent comments, you suggested that Canada should become our 51st state. Can you explain why you believe Canada, a country with its own sovereignty and identity, should become part of the United States?
President Trump: Look, I’ve always said Canada is a great country, but the U.S.-Canada border is really just an artificial line. We share such a strong relationship—economically, militarily, and socially. We’ve got so much in common. Canada has great resources that could help America grow even more, and the people are fantastic. I’ve spoken with Governor Trudeau and I told him, if we really want to be strong together, why not combine forces? It’s a natural fit. They already trade with us, they already cooperate with us. So why not make it official and be one, unified country? That would make us even stronger as a global power. Canada as the 51st state—that’s the way forward.
Becky Romero: President Trump, you want Canada to be the 51st state, but you oppose statehood for Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory with over 3 million American citizens? Why? Is it because the people in Puerto Rico don’t have the “right skin color” to be fully included in our democracy? Or is it because most Puerto Ricans speak Spanish? No, what’s ridiculous is pretending to be a nationalist and then suggesting we absorb another country while ignoring people who’ve already sworn allegiance to our flag. Many Puerto Rican-Americans have fought for this country in uniform. Many of them died for it. The people of Puerto Rico deserve full rights as Americans, but Canada, with its sovereignty, doesn’t need to be a part of us.
I’m also curious, if Canada refuses your demand to revise the border or accept statehood, what then? Do you plan to ask Congress for a declaration of war on Canada? You already threatened Greenland and you’ve been going after Panama. What’s the matter, Mr. President? Do you feel you need to upstage Vladimir Putin on invasions of sovereign nations?
President Trump: No, that’s not what I’m saying at all, Becky. Canada is an ally, a friend, and a partner. What I’m talking about is finding ways to strengthen our relationship, not tear it down. And by the way, Canada is already deeply tied to us through trade and defense. The idea of making that even stronger is just about building an even more prosperous future. It’s about strength. It’s about the American people, and how we can take the next step to become the world’s leading power.
Becky Romero: With all due respect, this idea is absurd. What’s next, are you going to propose that we annex Mexico next because the border is also an “artificial line”? This kind of thinking undermines the very concept of sovereignty and national identity, and it disrespects the people of both countries. You want to solve real issues, like trade, not create new ones by trying to turn neighboring countries into something they’re not. We need to respect national boundaries, cooperate, and find ways to strengthen relationships in a manner that respects the dignity of both nations. Your push for this is dangerous, and it’s not in the best interests of the American people.
Moderator: Ms. Romero, you’ve been outspoken in favor of formally recognizing the Northwest Passage as Canadian territorial waters, but President Trump wants to keep them designated international waters. In the past, the designation mattered little since the Passage was ice-bound nearly all-year long. But due to the melting of Arctic sea ice, the Passage may become fully navigable in the summer months.
Becky Romero: Thank you. This is a critical issue for both Canada and the United States. We should recognize the Northwest Passage as Canadian territory waters, and denying that not only sets a dangerous precedent for territorial disputes, but also jeopardizes our national security. The future significance of the Northwest Passage is undeniable. While it's not a major shipping lane right now, it will be, and as Arctic Ocean ice continues to melt to the point where it might ice-free in the summer months, it could become a key passage for trade and military activity.
By refusing to acknowledge Canadian sovereignty, President Trump is opening the door for adversaries like China and Russia to extend their influence in the Arctic. We don’t need to give China and Russia a shortcut to our East Coast through the Northwest Passage, especially when Russia is already increasing its military presence in the Arctic and China calls itself a near-Arctic nation. Canada's control of the Northwest Passage is in our national interest because it prevents these countries from taking a shortcut to the U.S. eastern seaboard.
That’s why I propose an ANKUS-style treaty for the Arctic. Canada would gain the technology in partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom to build nuclear-powered submarines that would defend Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. We should be ready to help defend Canada’s territorial waters, just like we defend our own. Defending the Arctic together is an absolute national security necessity. We should stand with Canada, not against them.
And let’s not forget about Greenland. We’ve heard a lot this year about President Trump's fascination with Greenland, but if we recognize Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, we essentially make Greenland a moot point. Why? Because Canada’s control over the Arctic waters lessens the importance of Greenland as a strategic asset. We don’t need to be fixated on Greenland when we’re helping secure the Northwest Passage. The U.S. and Canada are natural allies. Working together to secure the Arctic is in the best interest of both our nations.
President Trump: You know, I’m all for protecting America’s interests, but handing over nuclear-armed subs to Canada? That’s a bridge too far. I don’t trust Trudeau with that kind of power—imagine if Canada became our 51st state, he'd just be a governor. He’s weak, and this kind of technology should not be in his hands. If we let Canada control the Northwest Passage, who’s next? It could open the door for military activity we don’t want on our doorstep.
Look, I don’t trust the Canadian government to secure the passage. It’s like the South China Sea—an area that should remain free for all nations. We cannot let Canada assert control over the Passage. It must remain open for international shipping. Just like China’s claims in the South China Sea, Canada shouldn’t be allowed to claim this as sovereign territory.
Becky Romero: (smiling) With all due respect, the President is simply misinformed. First of all, we’re not talking about nuclear-armed submarines here. The subs would be nuclear-powered, meaning they run on nuclear energy, but they would not be carrying nuclear weapons. There’s a significant difference, and I think we need to be clear on that.
And secondly, Trudeau is no longer prime minister. He resigned, and the new leader of Canada is Prime Minister Mark Carney. Perhaps, President Trump, you might have missed that news, as it seems like that was one of the 25% of days during your presidency when you were too busy on the golf course to stay updated on global events. Even Fox News covered his election.
Now, as for your South China Sea analogy—Canada is not militarizing the Arctic like China is militarizing the South China Sea. They’re not building artificial islands or expanding military presence in the region. The Northwest Passage is very different. It’s not an “open water” issue; it’s about sovereign control over a vital strategic waterway that cuts through Canada’s national territory. If the U.S. or anyone else were in Canada’s position, they would never accept unfettered international access to one-third of their national territory.
This isn’t just a minor disagreement between our countries. The Northwest Passage spans roughly 900 miles and cuts through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, making it unique. No “international strait” in the world runs through a country’s sovereign territory to this extent. Would the United States allow free passage through a strait that cuts across one-third of its national landmass? Of course not. And Canada shouldn’t be expected to do the same.
President Trump: (interrupting) I’m not saying we don’t want good relations with Canada, but we can’t just let them take control of such a critical passage. This could turn into a real problem if we’re not careful. The U.S. has to ensure that international trade routes remain open to all nations—no one should control such a vital route alone.
Becky Romero: (assertively) That’s the problem. You’re not understanding the stakes. What’s at risk isn’t just trade—it’s national security. If Canada, a NATO ally, doesn’t control the Northwest Passage, then what’s to stop other countries, like China and Russia, from asserting their influence there? We’ve already seen Russia’s growing military presence in the Arctic. If Canada cannot defend this critical waterway, we’ll be at risk. And the U.S. needs to work with Canada—not against them.
The idea that this is similar to the South China Sea is misguided. In the South China Sea, China is literally building islands to establish control. Canada isn’t doing that. Canada is asserting sovereignty over waters that have been part of its territory for centuries. And if we don’t stand by our ally in this, we risk emboldening other nations who may try to expand their reach into our backyard.
President Trump: (getting heated) You just don’t get it! I’m looking at the big picture—this is about security. You can’t just let Canada call the shots. This is a slippery slope!
Becky Romero: (calmly) No. What we can’t afford is to ignore our allies and leave a vacuum in the Arctic for others to exploit. Canada has as much a right to defend its territory as we do. And the U.S. and Canada should be working together, not creating friction where none is needed. We should stand united, because the future of the Arctic is in both of our hands.
Moderator: (cutting in) Let’s bring this back to the issue at hand. President Trump, you’ve had a chance to present your argument. Ms. Romero, any final thoughts?
President Trump: (grumbling) I’ll stand by what I said—this isn’t about Canada or Trudeau or Carney or whoever’s in charge. This is about keeping America safe.
Becky Romero: (smiling) Exactly. That’s why we need to secure the Arctic with our allies, and that starts by recognizing Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. Working together is the best way to protect both of our nations.
Moderator: Let’s turn now to national security. President Trump, what role should Canada play in joint defense, especially in light of threats from Russia and China over the Arctic and missile technology?
President Trump: Look, NORAD is fine. It’s good. But we shouldn’t be paying for everything. We have the best military in the world, and everyone wants us to foot the bill. Canada included. Becky wants to throw technology and money at them—but they need to pay their share. Their military spending is way too low. If they want missile defense, subs, all that—they need to pony up. And I don’t trust that they’ll follow through. Too much red tape. Too much Trudeau—uh, Carney nonsense. We lead. They follow. That’s how it works.
Becky Romero: (calmly) It’s not about who leads or follows—it’s about who’s prepared. If a hypersonic missile is headed for Seattle or Chicago from over the North Pole, it’s going to be a Canadian radar station—or a Canadian officer in a joint control room—that helps us shoot it down in time.
This isn’t a favor we’re doing for them. This is North American security. And you don’t strengthen that by whining about pennies. You strengthen it by investing in the partnership that’s kept this continent safe for over 70 years.
President Trump: (interrupting) That’s your problem—you trust everybody. And that’s why they take advantage of you. Of us. We do the heavy lifting, and Canada gets the benefit.
Becky Romero: (leaning in) And your problem is you confuse leadership with bullying. Leadership means building alliances, not wrecking them for a photo op and a soundbite. You can’t just throw money at the problem—you have to trust your allies to do their part. If we’re talking about defense, we have to be working together—equally. If Canada is vulnerable in the Arctic, we’re all vulnerable.
Moderator: President Trump, do you believe that Canada is doing enough to contribute to its own defense, particularly in light of these evolving threats in the Arctic?
President Trump: Look, Canada does the bare minimum, and it’s not enough. I’m all for helping our allies, but we’ve been carrying the load for too long. It’s time for them to step up. What we need is action, not more promises. I’m all for defense, but it has to be a fair partnership.
Becky Romero: That’s the problem—you keep focusing on the wrong things. It’s not just about how much money someone spends. It’s about the shared responsibility. If Canada is properly equipped to defend its Arctic borders, it strengthens the whole continent. This isn’t about one country doing more than the other; it’s about the U.S. and Canada working side by side to maintain security in the face of global threats.
President Trump: (interrupting) And how do you propose we make them pay for all this? You just keep adding costs without a plan for how to make them pull their weight!
Becky Romero: (responding quickly) It’s not about making them pay—it's about sharing the load. If we don’t work together on missile defense, on Arctic security, we’re leaving ourselves vulnerable to countries like Russia and China. That’s a risk we can’t afford. We need to invest in our alliances and modernize our shared capabilities.
Moderator: It seems like we have a disagreement on burden-sharing here. But, Ms. Romero, you’ve also mentioned the importance of joint military operations. If we are to ensure effective defense in the Arctic, don’t we need a clear framework for cooperation and investment from both sides?
Becky Romero: Exactly. It’s not just about military resources; it’s about building systems that work together. We need integration, where both countries are equal players in the security of this continent. That means enhancing our missile defense, modernizing our equipment, and ensuring that we can respond swiftly and efficiently to any threats, particularly in the Arctic.
President Trump: (interrupting) Yeah, but they need to start paying for it. You can’t expect us to keep writing the check!
Becky Romero: (smiling) Leadership is about building those partnerships. It’s not just about who writes the biggest check; it’s about ensuring we are all capable of defending what’s ours. Working together—that’s the real strength.
Moderator: A fiery exchange on national security here. It’s clear both of you have strong views on the role Canada should play. Before we move on, President Trump, how do you respond to Ms. Romero’s point that working together is the key to strengthening defense, particularly in the Arctic?
President Trump: (grumbling) I just don’t trust Canada to keep up with their end of the deal. We’ve been doing too much for too long, and that’s not going to change under her plan.
Becky Romero: (responding firmly) That’s where you’re wrong. Trusting our allies—building that mutual respect—that’s how we win, how we protect this continent.
The conclusion of the debate continues in the comments section below.
AI crafted the moderator's questions based on inputs for suggested topics and I answered or responded to Trump's response or rebuttals. AI was instructed to look for Trump's past public comments and statements for assistance in crafting his responses. The moderator was given leedway without specifics to ask follow-ups based on our responses. It got quite heated at some points during the debate, but he didn't call me any names. But he lashed out with his typical insults at former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. For my comments, I gave AI certain parameters, links to my own past statements and policy proposals and I conservatively edited them as warranted.
Moderator: Welcome to tonight's debate. Our participants are President Donald Trump and Democrat policy analyst Becky Romero. Tonight we will cover various topics concerning the relationship between Canada and the United States, including healthcare, trade and national security. Each debater will have two minutes to answer a question on a given topic, followed by a one minute rebuttal, with further discussion on the topic at my discretion. Let’s get started.
Moderator: President Trump, in recent comments, you suggested that Canada should become our 51st state. Can you explain why you believe Canada, a country with its own sovereignty and identity, should become part of the United States?
President Trump: Look, I’ve always said Canada is a great country, but the U.S.-Canada border is really just an artificial line. We share such a strong relationship—economically, militarily, and socially. We’ve got so much in common. Canada has great resources that could help America grow even more, and the people are fantastic. I’ve spoken with Governor Trudeau and I told him, if we really want to be strong together, why not combine forces? It’s a natural fit. They already trade with us, they already cooperate with us. So why not make it official and be one, unified country? That would make us even stronger as a global power. Canada as the 51st state—that’s the way forward.
Becky Romero: President Trump, you want Canada to be the 51st state, but you oppose statehood for Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory with over 3 million American citizens? Why? Is it because the people in Puerto Rico don’t have the “right skin color” to be fully included in our democracy? Or is it because most Puerto Ricans speak Spanish? No, what’s ridiculous is pretending to be a nationalist and then suggesting we absorb another country while ignoring people who’ve already sworn allegiance to our flag. Many Puerto Rican-Americans have fought for this country in uniform. Many of them died for it. The people of Puerto Rico deserve full rights as Americans, but Canada, with its sovereignty, doesn’t need to be a part of us.
I’m also curious, if Canada refuses your demand to revise the border or accept statehood, what then? Do you plan to ask Congress for a declaration of war on Canada? You already threatened Greenland and you’ve been going after Panama. What’s the matter, Mr. President? Do you feel you need to upstage Vladimir Putin on invasions of sovereign nations?
President Trump: No, that’s not what I’m saying at all, Becky. Canada is an ally, a friend, and a partner. What I’m talking about is finding ways to strengthen our relationship, not tear it down. And by the way, Canada is already deeply tied to us through trade and defense. The idea of making that even stronger is just about building an even more prosperous future. It’s about strength. It’s about the American people, and how we can take the next step to become the world’s leading power.
Becky Romero: With all due respect, this idea is absurd. What’s next, are you going to propose that we annex Mexico next because the border is also an “artificial line”? This kind of thinking undermines the very concept of sovereignty and national identity, and it disrespects the people of both countries. You want to solve real issues, like trade, not create new ones by trying to turn neighboring countries into something they’re not. We need to respect national boundaries, cooperate, and find ways to strengthen relationships in a manner that respects the dignity of both nations. Your push for this is dangerous, and it’s not in the best interests of the American people.
Moderator: Ms. Romero, you’ve been outspoken in favor of formally recognizing the Northwest Passage as Canadian territorial waters, but President Trump wants to keep them designated international waters. In the past, the designation mattered little since the Passage was ice-bound nearly all-year long. But due to the melting of Arctic sea ice, the Passage may become fully navigable in the summer months.
Becky Romero: Thank you. This is a critical issue for both Canada and the United States. We should recognize the Northwest Passage as Canadian territory waters, and denying that not only sets a dangerous precedent for territorial disputes, but also jeopardizes our national security. The future significance of the Northwest Passage is undeniable. While it's not a major shipping lane right now, it will be, and as Arctic Ocean ice continues to melt to the point where it might ice-free in the summer months, it could become a key passage for trade and military activity.
By refusing to acknowledge Canadian sovereignty, President Trump is opening the door for adversaries like China and Russia to extend their influence in the Arctic. We don’t need to give China and Russia a shortcut to our East Coast through the Northwest Passage, especially when Russia is already increasing its military presence in the Arctic and China calls itself a near-Arctic nation. Canada's control of the Northwest Passage is in our national interest because it prevents these countries from taking a shortcut to the U.S. eastern seaboard.
That’s why I propose an ANKUS-style treaty for the Arctic. Canada would gain the technology in partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom to build nuclear-powered submarines that would defend Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. We should be ready to help defend Canada’s territorial waters, just like we defend our own. Defending the Arctic together is an absolute national security necessity. We should stand with Canada, not against them.
And let’s not forget about Greenland. We’ve heard a lot this year about President Trump's fascination with Greenland, but if we recognize Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, we essentially make Greenland a moot point. Why? Because Canada’s control over the Arctic waters lessens the importance of Greenland as a strategic asset. We don’t need to be fixated on Greenland when we’re helping secure the Northwest Passage. The U.S. and Canada are natural allies. Working together to secure the Arctic is in the best interest of both our nations.
President Trump: You know, I’m all for protecting America’s interests, but handing over nuclear-armed subs to Canada? That’s a bridge too far. I don’t trust Trudeau with that kind of power—imagine if Canada became our 51st state, he'd just be a governor. He’s weak, and this kind of technology should not be in his hands. If we let Canada control the Northwest Passage, who’s next? It could open the door for military activity we don’t want on our doorstep.
Look, I don’t trust the Canadian government to secure the passage. It’s like the South China Sea—an area that should remain free for all nations. We cannot let Canada assert control over the Passage. It must remain open for international shipping. Just like China’s claims in the South China Sea, Canada shouldn’t be allowed to claim this as sovereign territory.
Becky Romero: (smiling) With all due respect, the President is simply misinformed. First of all, we’re not talking about nuclear-armed submarines here. The subs would be nuclear-powered, meaning they run on nuclear energy, but they would not be carrying nuclear weapons. There’s a significant difference, and I think we need to be clear on that.
And secondly, Trudeau is no longer prime minister. He resigned, and the new leader of Canada is Prime Minister Mark Carney. Perhaps, President Trump, you might have missed that news, as it seems like that was one of the 25% of days during your presidency when you were too busy on the golf course to stay updated on global events. Even Fox News covered his election.
Now, as for your South China Sea analogy—Canada is not militarizing the Arctic like China is militarizing the South China Sea. They’re not building artificial islands or expanding military presence in the region. The Northwest Passage is very different. It’s not an “open water” issue; it’s about sovereign control over a vital strategic waterway that cuts through Canada’s national territory. If the U.S. or anyone else were in Canada’s position, they would never accept unfettered international access to one-third of their national territory.
This isn’t just a minor disagreement between our countries. The Northwest Passage spans roughly 900 miles and cuts through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, making it unique. No “international strait” in the world runs through a country’s sovereign territory to this extent. Would the United States allow free passage through a strait that cuts across one-third of its national landmass? Of course not. And Canada shouldn’t be expected to do the same.
President Trump: (interrupting) I’m not saying we don’t want good relations with Canada, but we can’t just let them take control of such a critical passage. This could turn into a real problem if we’re not careful. The U.S. has to ensure that international trade routes remain open to all nations—no one should control such a vital route alone.
Becky Romero: (assertively) That’s the problem. You’re not understanding the stakes. What’s at risk isn’t just trade—it’s national security. If Canada, a NATO ally, doesn’t control the Northwest Passage, then what’s to stop other countries, like China and Russia, from asserting their influence there? We’ve already seen Russia’s growing military presence in the Arctic. If Canada cannot defend this critical waterway, we’ll be at risk. And the U.S. needs to work with Canada—not against them.
The idea that this is similar to the South China Sea is misguided. In the South China Sea, China is literally building islands to establish control. Canada isn’t doing that. Canada is asserting sovereignty over waters that have been part of its territory for centuries. And if we don’t stand by our ally in this, we risk emboldening other nations who may try to expand their reach into our backyard.
President Trump: (getting heated) You just don’t get it! I’m looking at the big picture—this is about security. You can’t just let Canada call the shots. This is a slippery slope!
Becky Romero: (calmly) No. What we can’t afford is to ignore our allies and leave a vacuum in the Arctic for others to exploit. Canada has as much a right to defend its territory as we do. And the U.S. and Canada should be working together, not creating friction where none is needed. We should stand united, because the future of the Arctic is in both of our hands.
Moderator: (cutting in) Let’s bring this back to the issue at hand. President Trump, you’ve had a chance to present your argument. Ms. Romero, any final thoughts?
President Trump: (grumbling) I’ll stand by what I said—this isn’t about Canada or Trudeau or Carney or whoever’s in charge. This is about keeping America safe.
Becky Romero: (smiling) Exactly. That’s why we need to secure the Arctic with our allies, and that starts by recognizing Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. Working together is the best way to protect both of our nations.
Moderator: Let’s turn now to national security. President Trump, what role should Canada play in joint defense, especially in light of threats from Russia and China over the Arctic and missile technology?
President Trump: Look, NORAD is fine. It’s good. But we shouldn’t be paying for everything. We have the best military in the world, and everyone wants us to foot the bill. Canada included. Becky wants to throw technology and money at them—but they need to pay their share. Their military spending is way too low. If they want missile defense, subs, all that—they need to pony up. And I don’t trust that they’ll follow through. Too much red tape. Too much Trudeau—uh, Carney nonsense. We lead. They follow. That’s how it works.
Becky Romero: (calmly) It’s not about who leads or follows—it’s about who’s prepared. If a hypersonic missile is headed for Seattle or Chicago from over the North Pole, it’s going to be a Canadian radar station—or a Canadian officer in a joint control room—that helps us shoot it down in time.
This isn’t a favor we’re doing for them. This is North American security. And you don’t strengthen that by whining about pennies. You strengthen it by investing in the partnership that’s kept this continent safe for over 70 years.
President Trump: (interrupting) That’s your problem—you trust everybody. And that’s why they take advantage of you. Of us. We do the heavy lifting, and Canada gets the benefit.
Becky Romero: (leaning in) And your problem is you confuse leadership with bullying. Leadership means building alliances, not wrecking them for a photo op and a soundbite. You can’t just throw money at the problem—you have to trust your allies to do their part. If we’re talking about defense, we have to be working together—equally. If Canada is vulnerable in the Arctic, we’re all vulnerable.
Moderator: President Trump, do you believe that Canada is doing enough to contribute to its own defense, particularly in light of these evolving threats in the Arctic?
President Trump: Look, Canada does the bare minimum, and it’s not enough. I’m all for helping our allies, but we’ve been carrying the load for too long. It’s time for them to step up. What we need is action, not more promises. I’m all for defense, but it has to be a fair partnership.
Becky Romero: That’s the problem—you keep focusing on the wrong things. It’s not just about how much money someone spends. It’s about the shared responsibility. If Canada is properly equipped to defend its Arctic borders, it strengthens the whole continent. This isn’t about one country doing more than the other; it’s about the U.S. and Canada working side by side to maintain security in the face of global threats.
President Trump: (interrupting) And how do you propose we make them pay for all this? You just keep adding costs without a plan for how to make them pull their weight!
Becky Romero: (responding quickly) It’s not about making them pay—it's about sharing the load. If we don’t work together on missile defense, on Arctic security, we’re leaving ourselves vulnerable to countries like Russia and China. That’s a risk we can’t afford. We need to invest in our alliances and modernize our shared capabilities.
Moderator: It seems like we have a disagreement on burden-sharing here. But, Ms. Romero, you’ve also mentioned the importance of joint military operations. If we are to ensure effective defense in the Arctic, don’t we need a clear framework for cooperation and investment from both sides?
Becky Romero: Exactly. It’s not just about military resources; it’s about building systems that work together. We need integration, where both countries are equal players in the security of this continent. That means enhancing our missile defense, modernizing our equipment, and ensuring that we can respond swiftly and efficiently to any threats, particularly in the Arctic.
President Trump: (interrupting) Yeah, but they need to start paying for it. You can’t expect us to keep writing the check!
Becky Romero: (smiling) Leadership is about building those partnerships. It’s not just about who writes the biggest check; it’s about ensuring we are all capable of defending what’s ours. Working together—that’s the real strength.
Moderator: A fiery exchange on national security here. It’s clear both of you have strong views on the role Canada should play. Before we move on, President Trump, how do you respond to Ms. Romero’s point that working together is the key to strengthening defense, particularly in the Arctic?
President Trump: (grumbling) I just don’t trust Canada to keep up with their end of the deal. We’ve been doing too much for too long, and that’s not going to change under her plan.
Becky Romero: (responding firmly) That’s where you’re wrong. Trusting our allies—building that mutual respect—that’s how we win, how we protect this continent.
The conclusion of the debate continues in the comments section below.
36-40, FVIP
