Thousands of Canadians Rally in Support for Revoking Elon Musk’s Citizenship
Watch: ‘I’d be pissed if I was Canadian’ – Trump supporters on 51st state jibe
Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship amid tensions between the Trump administration and Canada. The petition, which opened to signatures five days ago, accuses Mr Musk of acting against Canada’s national interest and undermining its sovereignty.
In Canada, citizenship can be revoked only if someone has committed fraud, misrepresented themselves or knowingly hid information on an immigration or citizenship application. Mr Musk, who was born in South Africa, holds both Canadian and US citizenship.
Responding to the petition, the billionaire wrote on X: “Canada is not a real country.” The post was later deleted. The petition claims the billionaire “has used his wealth and power to influence our elections” and “has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty”.
Mr Musk has Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Saskatchewan.
Launched on 20 February, the petition, already signed by more than 250,000 Canadians, remains open for signatures until 20 June. It is mostly symbolic and has no legal force. But petitions with at least 500 signatures and a member of parliament’s backing typically receive a government response; this one may not as a spring election could dissolve parliament.
It was created by a British Columbia author and endorsed by MP Charlie Angus of the New Democratic Party. Angus, who has been an MP for Timmins–James Bay since 2001, announced that he will not seek re-election in this year’s federal campaign. The BBC contacted his office but received no comment.
US-Canada tensions have escalated recently due to Trump’s return, with the president repeatedly suggesting Canada could become a US state and threatening tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other imports. Canadian leaders have responded by vowing counter-tariffs. This spat has spread beyond government: Canadians are cancelling US trips, boycotting American products, and booing opposing anthems at hockey and basketball games.
Mr Musk moved to Canada from South Africa at age 18, worked odd jobs before studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later emigrated to the United States.
The billionaire has backed Trump’s hardline immigration policies but now faces scrutiny over claims he worked illegally in the US on a student visa. In an interview last year with Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Trump, Mr Musk was called a “parasitic illegal immigrant”. He denies these accusations and says he did not work illegally.
Elon Musk became a naturalized US citizen in 2002 according to his biography. The BBC reached out for comment via Mr Musk’s businesses but received no response.
Elon Musk, Citizenship, United States, Canada
