It’s saying no by saying yes. The hostile No is what Trump wants, a yes that could never be accepted doesn’t give him what he wants.

Canada should play the longer game and agree to join the US if:

• each province becomes a state.
• more representatives get added to accommodate the additional states.
• French remains an official/supported language.
• poutine becomes a national dish.
• 5 years of no income tax for formerly Canadian citizens.
• favorable conversion to USD