Bangladesh, Feb. 22 -- US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with a joke suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. The remark, made during the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC, on February 21, came amid escalating trade disputes between the neighboring countries. Although delivered in a light-hearted tone, the statement has amplified tensions in an already strained bilateral relationship.

Trump quipped that Canada could retain its national anthem, “O Canada,” if it became a US state. “Well have to work out some deal because I do like the ‘O Canada all right,” Trump said. “Its a beautiful thing. I think were going to have to keep it f...