U.S. Admiral Compares Canada Attack to Martians

VICTORIA, B.C. - A top U.S. military commander on Wednesday described a hypothetical order to launch military action against Canada as "absolutely and utterly preposterous," comparing the scenario to planning an attack on "Martians." Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, made the remarks during a joint news conference with Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, at the IndoPacific Chiefs of Defence conference. The admiral's response came after a reporter asked under what circumstances he would obey an order to launch military action against Canada. Paparo, visibly taken aback, called the question "needlessly emotional" but affirmed that he follows the orders of the commander-in-chief. He stressed that Canada is a close and indispensable ally to the United States. The exchange occurred amidst heightened political tensions between the two nations. President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada and making it the 51st U.S. state, particularly as trade negotiations have faced difficulties. Other U.S. officials have also made public remarks disparaging the Canadian military.