Why are Canadians calling for Elon Musk’s citizenship to be revoked?

A petition to strip Elon Musk of his Canadian citizenship has gathered over 280,000 signatures, citing his involvement in U.S. politics and alleged threats to Canada’s sovereignty. Musk’s close ties to Donald Trump and his remarks about Canada have fueled public outrage. The petition, open until June 20, 2025, will be presented to Parliament for a potential response.

Digital Worldwide News

February 27th 2025

More than 280,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strip Elon Musk of his Canadian citizenship. The petition, launched on February 20, 2025, accuses Musk of undermining Canada’s sovereignty and acting against the country’s national interests.

Musk, who serves as the head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been at the center of U.S.-Canada tensions. His involvement in American politics, particularly his influence over Trump’s policies, has raised concerns about foreign interference in Canadian affairs.

The petition also accuses Musk of using his wealth and power to influence Canadian elections. While specific allegations remain unclear, many signatories believe Musk’s actions align more with American political interests than those of Canada.

What are Musk’s ties to Canada and why is citizenship revocation being considered?

Elon Musk holds multiple citizenships, including South African, U.S., and Canadian. He gained his Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Canada. However, his recent actions have led many Canadians to question his loyalty to the country.

Under Canadian law, citizenship can be revoked in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, treason, or espionage. The petition does not directly accuse Musk of any of these offenses, but it implies that his actions—such as supporting policies that harm Canada—should be grounds for reconsideration.

Canada has rarely revoked citizenship for political reasons. If the petition is taken seriously, legal experts believe the government would need clear evidence that Musk violated citizenship laws. However, even if Musk’s citizenship remains intact, the controversy has sparked a national debate on foreign influence.

How has Musk responded to the petition?

Musk has dismissed the petition as meaningless, responding with controversial statements on X (formerly Twitter). In reaction to the public outcry, he stated, “Canada is not a real country,” further inflaming tensions between himself and Canadians.

His remarks follow previous statements where he referred to Trudeau as “Canada’s governor,” echoing Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the “51st state” of the U.S. Many Canadians view these comments as an insult to their national identity and democratic sovereignty.

Despite the backlash, Musk remains unfazed. His strong alliance with Trump and involvement in U.S. policymaking suggest that he may not see his Canadian citizenship as a priority. However, the petition’s growing support signals a broader dissatisfaction with his political influence.

What role has Musk played in U.S.-Canada relations?

Musk has played a significant role in shaping Trump’s economic policies, including those affecting Canada. One of the biggest points of contention is the proposed 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, which could severely impact North American trade.

Although Trump temporarily paused the tariffs in early February 2025, he recently announced plans to move forward with them. Musk’s close ties to the administration and his support for these policies have led many to see him as a direct threat to Canada’s economic stability.

Beyond trade, Musk’s influence extends into diplomatic rhetoric. His casual dismissal of Canada as a sovereign nation and support for Trump’s aggressive trade policies have positioned him as a controversial figure in international relations.

What happens next with the petition?

The petition, sponsored by New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, will remain open until June 20, 2025. Once it closes, it will be formally presented to the Canadian Parliament, where the government may choose to respond.

While the petition has gained massive public support, it remains unclear whether Ottawa will act on it. Canadian citizenship laws are strict, and revoking citizenship is a complex legal process that typically applies to cases of fraud or national security threats.

Regardless of the outcome, the petition reflects growing frustration with Musk’s political influence. Whether or not he loses his Canadian citizenship, the controversy has already sparked heated discussions about national sovereignty and foreign interference in Canada’s democracy.