• Elon Musk is at the centre of a petition in Canada
  • It asks to remove the Tesla CEO’s citizenship from the country
  • Many have wondered how he has this status, and here’s how
Elon Musk is at the centre of a Canadian storm
Elon Musk has Canadian citizenship Credit: Imago

Elon Musk has found himself at the centre of a debate about whether he should keep his Canadian citizenship.

The Tesla CEO has been one of the most prominent supporters of President Donald Trump, who, since entering office, has been threatening Canada with an array of aggression. 

Some of his fellow countrymen have clapped back by launching a petition, advocating his Canadian citizenship to be stripped.

At the time of writing, it has accrued more than 280,000 signatures in less than a week. An e-petition requires 500 backers to be heard in the House of Commons. 

Read more: Why is there a petition to remove Elon Musk’s citizenship?

One of the most visible ways Musk has been involved is running DOGE with Vivek Ramaswamy. The acronym stands for Department of Government Efficiency and seeks to stamp out so-called ‘waste’ in the US federal government. 

Read more: SNL’s Chloe Fineman reveals Elon Musk made her cry during his 2021 appearance on the show 

However, many have wondered how Musk – who is from Pretoria in South Africa – has Canadian citizenship. Well, Pubity.com took a look.

How does Elon Musk have Canadian citizenship?

Musk has citizenship from Canada via his mother, Maye Musk. She was in brown in the town of Regina in Saskatchewan in April 1948. He also has a US passport.

When she was two years old, her parents, Wyn and Joshua Norman, moved to Pretoria, South Africa. The family are also South African by nationality.

What does the petition about Elon Musk say?

The petition argues that Musk ought to have his citizenship taken away after his work with Trump has been undermining Canadian sovereignty. 

In addition to his political support of Trump, the SpaceX CEO has also made comments about Canada, labelling it “not a real country”. 

It reads “in activities that go against the national interest of Canada” by acting as an adviser to President Trump. It adds that the billionaire has become “a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.”

When does the petition close?

The petition will remain open until 20 June. 

Already, it has garnered a sponsor in the form of the New Democratic MP Charlie Angus. On the day it closes, it will be presented to Parliament. An e-petition requires 500 backers to be heard by the House of Commons. No word has been given on how it will proceed afterwards.

What has Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said to Trump?

The outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken a very terse tone toward the country below him. 

At the time, he called the tariffs “entirely unjustified” and assured that Canada would retaliate “if it comes to that”. 

Trudeau continued, “Tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium would be entirely unjustified.”

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