Kristi Noem, the 53-year-old Secretary of Homeland Security, recently caused a stir in Vermont with a controversial act that many locals found shocking.
The stunt, which took place in January, involved Noem mocking the delicate relationship between Canada and the United States during a visit to honor the death of a U.S. border patrol agent.
A Bold Move at the Haskell Free Library
Noem’s actions took place at the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a public building that sits directly on the border between the United States and Canada.
Inside the library, a line of black tape marks the division between Derby, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec.
This was the backdrop for Noem’s unusual behavior, where she reportedly hopped back and forth across the line, shouting “USA number one” with a smile.
She then crossed into Canada and referred to it as “The 51st state,” a comment that did not sit well with many.
Local Reactions to Noem’s Stunt
Deborah Bishop, the Canadian executive director of the library, shared her disapproval in an interview with the Boston Globe.
She explained that Noem repeated the stunt at least three times, making clear statements about the U.S. being “number one” while ignoring Canada completely.
Bishop noted the lack of acknowledgment toward Canada, calling it disrespectful.
Kathy Converse, a U.S. citizen and library volunteer, also witnessed the incident and expressed her anger.
“Politics should not come into this,” Converse said, emphasizing that the library was a neutral space.
Sylvie Boudreau, another volunteer, compared the library to Switzerland, a country known for neutrality, adding that it’s a place that welcomes all, regardless of politics.
Displeasure Across the Border
The backlash didn’t stop at the library. On the Canadian side of the border, Jody Stone, the Mayor of Stanstead, voiced his disappointment in Noem’s actions.
Stone, who has worked closely with American officials in Derby, called the remarks “insulting” and criticized a high-ranking government official for using such language.
He added that the use of such rhetoric felt like a threat to their longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring communities.
During the same time, at least one local resident put up a sign that read, “Canada is not for sale,” in French, reflecting the growing frustration with Noem’s comments.
Social Media Backlash
The incident quickly sparked outrage on social media, with many expressing their disapproval.
Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa, called the stunt “insulting, shameful, and unprofessional,” and labeled it “childish” on X.
Doug Sanders, a Canadian commentator, made a comparison to the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, suggesting that the rhetoric echoed troubling geopolitical tensions.
Sanders’ post further fueled the online conversation about the incident, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with Noem’s actions.
A Pattern of Aggressive Rhetoric
Noem’s actions seem to align with the increasingly aggressive rhetoric coming from some high-profile American politicians, including President Donald Trump.
In recent months, Trump has publicly expressed interest in annexing Canada and turning it into the 51st state, with particular focus on the country’s natural resources.
This aggressive stance has only added fuel to the fire, further complicating U.S.-Canada relations.
As the controversy continues to simmer, Noem’s actions serve as a reminder of how even the smallest gestures can ripple through international relations, especially when they involve such a complex and sensitive border.