Over 250,000 Canadians Call for Revocation of Elon Musk’s Citizenship Amid Tensions with Trump
A recent parliamentary petition in Canada has garnered significant attention, with over 250,000 citizens and residents urging the government to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship and passport. The petition, addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, argues that Musk’s close association with U.S. President Donald Trump poses a threat to Canada’s national interests. Musk, who holds citizenship in South Africa, Canada, and the United States, has become one of Trump’s most prominent allies since the latter began his second term as president last month.
The primary concern of the petitioners is Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, set to take effect next month, as well as his controversial proposal to annex Canada as the 51st state. The petitioners allege that Musk has used his wealth and influence to sway Canadian elections and is now aligned with a foreign government that seeks to undermine Canadian sovereignty. In response to the petition, Musk took to his social media platform, X, to dismiss the notion of Canada’s independence, stating, “Canada is not a real country.” Musk’s representatives have not yet provided further comment.
The Petition’s Demands and the Legal Implications
The petition explicitly calls for Prime Minister Trudeau to revoke Musk’s dual citizenship status and revoke his Canadian passport immediately. However, legal experts have raised doubts about the feasibility of such a move. According to University of Toronto law professor Audrey Macklin, Canada does not revoke citizenship that is lawfully obtained, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Musk’s Canadian citizenship was obtained through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Canada. He later acquired U.S. citizenship after arriving in the country on a student visa.
The petition, sponsored by Charlie Angus, a member of parliament from the left-wing New Democratic Party, has gained traction despite the legal challenges. The process for parliamentary petitions in Canada is rigorous, requiring initial support from at least five Canadians, authorization from a member of parliament, and a review before signatures can be collected. The petition is open until June 20, 2025, after which it must meet additional certification requirements before it can be presented to the House of Commons for debate.
Qualia Reed, a sci-fi author from British Columbia and the creator of the petition, has emphasized that the initiative is not a personal attack on Musk but rather a call to accountability. Reed stated, “This action isn’t about personal attacks. It’s about ensuring that those who influence global policies and industries know that the people are not okay with their lack of ethical responsibility.”
Historical Precedents and the Current Political Climate
While the current petition seeks to hold Musk accountable for his perceived influence on Canadian affairs, historical precedents in Canada highlight the complexity of citizenship revocation. During World War II, thousands of Japanese Canadians, including citizens, were effectively denationalized and deported to Japan. However, in recent years, Canada has moved away from such practices. A 2014 law, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, initially included provisions to revoke citizenship in cases of national security offenses, but these were later repealed in 2017 under Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership.
The current push to revoke Musk’s citizenship reflects broader tensions in the U.S.-Canada relationship, particularly under Trump’s leadership. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to make Canada the “51st state,” even going so far as to mock Trudeau on social media by referring to him as the “Governor” of Canada. These remarks have not been taken lightly, with Trudeau warning business leaders that the threat of annexation is a serious concern.
The Role of Social Media and Public Sentiment
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the petition’s message and garnering widespread support. Musk’s dismissive remarks about Canada on his platform X have further fueled public outrage, with many Canadians interpreting his comments as a systemic disregard for their nation’s sovereignty. Conversely, the petition’s creator, Qualia Reed, has used platforms like Bluesky to clarify the initiative’s intentions, stressing that it is not a personal vendetta but a collective stand against undue influence in global affairs.
The rapid spread of the petition has also highlighted the power of grassroots movements in the digital age. Reed expressed surprise at the petition’s virality, noting that it was never intended to gain such widespread attention. However, the momentum it has gained underscores the deep-seated concerns among Canadians about foreign interference and the ethical responsibilities of powerful individuals like Musk.
Conclusion: The Broader Implications and Moving Forward
The parliamentary petition to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship has sparked a national conversation about the boundaries of citizenship, the influence of foreign actors, and the ethical responsibilities of global leaders. While the legal feasibility of revoking Musk’s citizenship remains doubtful, the petition serves as a symbolic call to action, urging accountability from those who wield significant power over global policies and industries.
As the petition continues to gain signatures and attention, its impact will likely extend beyond the immediate goal of revoking Musk’s citizenship. It has already brought into focus the broader issues of sovereignty, ethical responsibility, and the complexities of dual citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether or not the petition leads to concrete legislative action, it has succeeded in amplifying the voices of Canadians who are deeply concerned about the future of their nation’s independence and sovereignty.
