More than 285,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for Elon Musk’s citizenship to be revoked.
The 53-year-old tech mogul, who is one of President Donald Trump’s closest aides, has found himself at the center of controversy once again.
A widely circulated online petition, launched on February 20, claims that Musk “has used his wealth and power to influence” the elections in Canada and “has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty”.
The billionaire, who was born in South Africa, holds both Canadian and US citizenship. His Canadian ties come from his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Saskatchewan.
While the petition has gained massive traction, with over 289,231 Canadians signing it as of this writing, it remains mostly symbolic with no legal force.
Under Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked if it was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or withholding information – none of which apply to Musk.
That said, petitions with at least 500 signatures and a Member of Parliament’s support typically receive a formal government response. However, this one may not, as an upcoming spring election could dissolve parliament before it’s addressed.
The appeal was created by a British Columbia author and has been endorsed by MP Charlie Angus of the New Democratic Party. Angus, who has been an MP for 20 years, has already announced he will not seek re-election.
Musk briefly responded to the petition in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Canada is not a real country.”
However, the post was quickly deleted, leaving many wondering whether he was serious or just trolling.
#Musk tweeted then deleted this.#Canada is a real country.
So is #SouthAfrica. Maybe go back. pic.twitter.com/itYQi6qpL2
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The Musk controversy comes amid rising tensions between the US and Canada following President Trump’s return to power.
The 78-year-old has made several provocative statements about Canada potentially becoming the 51st US state and has threatened tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other imports.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time shutting down the idea, stating bluntly: “It’s not going to happen.” Other Canadian leaders have also pushed back, warning of counter-tariffs and economic repercussions.
The feud has even spilled beyond politics, with some Canadians boycotting US products, canceling trips to America, and even booing US national anthems at hockey and basketball games.
Musk’s connection to Canada dates back to when he moved there at 18, working odd jobs before studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later emigrated to the US, where he built his business empire.
However, despite his support for Trump’s hardline immigration policies, the X owner is now facing scrutiny over claims that he worked illegally in the US while on a student visa.
In a recent interview, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon labeled Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant,” per BBC News. The Tesla and SpaceX founder denied the accusations, stating he never worked illegally and became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, according to a recent biography.
While Musk is highly unlikely to lose his Canadian citizenship, the petition’s overwhelming support signals growing frustration with his political and business influence.
