Petition calls for Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship to be revoked amid ties to Trump

A growing movement in Canada is demanding the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship due to his close association with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly made provocative statements about Canada’s sovereignty. More than 200,000 Canadians have signed an official parliamentary petition calling on their government to strip Musk of his citizenship, citing his alignment with Trump’s policies and rhetoric.

The petition was initiated by British Columbia-based author Qualia Reed and is backed by New Democrat Member of Parliament Charlie Angus, a well-known critic of Musk. The petition, first reported by the Canadian Press, argues that Musk’s actions conflict with Canada’s national interests, particularly because of his advisory role to Trump.

Musk, who was born in South Africa, obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, a model and dietitian from Regina, Saskatchewan. Although he is primarily known for leading major U.S. companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), his ties to Canada have come under scrutiny due to his involvement with Trump’s administration, which has frequently challenged Canada’s sovereignty.

Trump’s Threats Against Canada and Musk’s Role

Since returning to the White House for a second term, Trump has escalated his aggressive stance toward Canada, suggesting heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and even joking about annexing the country. His comments, including referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor” rather than a head of state, have fueled concerns about Canada’s independence.

Musk’s support for Trump has only intensified these fears. The petition claims that Musk’s actions amount to working for a “foreign government that seeks to undermine Canadian sovereignty.” Given his advisory role to Trump, petitioners argue that his Canadian citizenship should be revoked immediately.

Public and Political Reaction

The petition, filed in Canada’s House of Commons on February 20, has rapidly gained support, exceeding the minimum threshold of 500 signatures required for official consideration. By early Monday, the number of signatures had surpassed 203,000, with no signs of slowing down.

Canada’s House of Commons is set to resume its legislative work on March 24, but with the possibility of an upcoming general election, it remains unclear how soon the government will address the petition. The deadline for signatures is June 20, giving opponents of Musk’s citizenship several more months to rally further support.

Legal Grounds for Revocation

Under Canadian law, citizenship can be revoked in cases involving fraud, misrepresentation, or withholding important information during the naturalization process. Individuals may also voluntarily renounce their citizenship for personal or political reasons. However, revoking the citizenship of someone who obtained it legally, as in Musk’s case, would be an unprecedented move.

CTV News has reported that if Musk’s citizenship were revoked, he would be barred from reapplying for a period of ten years. While this scenario remains hypothetical, the legal and political implications of such a decision would be significant.

Musk’s growing influence in U.S. politics has sparked both admiration and controversy. His push for massive federal budget cuts under Trump’s administration has already affected numerous government agencies, including the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Health and Human Services, as well as the Internal Revenue Service and the National Parks Service.

Despite the backlash, Musk continues to embrace his role within Trump’s administration. During a recent conservative gathering in Maryland, he made headlines by waving a chainsaw in the air in a theatrical display of his commitment to cutting government spending. Additionally, he recently amplified an X post stating, “Of course we support Doge! Those who don’t support it are un-American,” referring to his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).

What’s Next?

Although the petition has gained remarkable traction, it remains unclear how the Canadian government will respond. While public pressure is mounting, the legal framework for revoking citizenship does not currently include political affiliation as grounds for removal.

If the petition continues to gain momentum, it could prompt a broader discussion about the responsibilities of dual citizens and their influence on foreign governments. For now, all eyes are on the Canadian Parliament as it decides whether Musk’s connection to Trump is enough to justify stripping him of his citizenship.