Following President-elect Donald Trump's playful suggestion to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Canada becoming part of the United States, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed a conditional interest in the idea. Sanders, a proponent of universal healthcare, questioned whether such a merger would mean adopting Canada's healthcare system, potentially lowering drug costs and overall healthcare expenditures. He humorously stated his support if these conditions were met.

Sanders has consistently advocated for a single-payer healthcare system in the U.S., often referencing the success of similar systems in other developed nations. His "Medicare for All" proposal aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all Americans.

Trump's suggestion arose during Trudeau's visit to Mar-a-Lago amidst trade discussions, specifically regarding potential tariffs. Trump reportedly raised the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, eliciting nervous laughter from those present. He even playfully suggested dividing Canada into two states based on political leanings.

This incident adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing conversation about healthcare reform in the United States and the relationship between the U.S. and Canada.