‘This is not a joke’: Canadians fume over ’51st state’ merch on Amazon

Outrage has erupted over hats, shirts, and stickers being sold on Amazon with slogans like “Make Canada Great Again,” “U.S.Eh,” and “Maple syrup and freedom, 51 states strong.” Many Canadians say the gear is offensive and are calling for Amazon to stop selling it.

“This is not a joke to us,” declared Sue Williams-Dunn, the Ontario woman behind a February petition opposing the products. “It’s a threat to our autonomy and identity as Canadians.” So far, nearly 70,000 people have signed the petition calling on Amazon to pull the merchandise.

“While some may argue these products are harmless, even comedic, they disregard and belittle the sustained economic terrorism Canada has been withstanding.”

The backlash comes after President Trump joked multiple times about making Canada the 51st state, including during a November meeting with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, where they reportedly discussed border issues and fentanyl trafficking.

The idea has not gone over well north of the border. Many Canadians have reacted strongly, some canceling US trips and boycotting American goods.

“I personally think being called an American is the worst thing that can happen to me,” a petition signer ranted. “I’d rather die first. … Just disgusting.”

“I have already canceled my Amazon account. That’s the kind of protest that matters,” wrote another.

Amazon responded to the criticism in a statement to The New York Post, saying the items do not violate its policies. "As a store, we’ve chosen to offer a very broad range of viewpoints, including products that may be disagreeable,” the company shared.