A significant number of individuals, totaling in the hundreds of thousands, have signed a petition urging the Canadian government to strip Elon Musk of his citizenship due to rising tensions between the Trump administration and Canada.

Launched five days ago, the petition accuses Musk of jeopardizing Canada’s national interests and compromising its sovereignty.

In Canada, the process of revoking citizenship is only applicable in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or if individuals withhold critical information from immigration or citizenship applications. Musk, who was born in South Africa, possesses both Canadian and American citizenship.

In response to the petition, Musk took to X, stating, “Canada is not a real country,” although he later deleted the post.

The petition asserts that Musk has leveraged his wealth and influence to meddle in Canadian elections and is now reportedly part of a foreign government that attempts to undermine Canada’s sovereignty. Musk holds Canadian citizenship through his mother, who hails from Saskatchewan.

Initiated on February 20, this petition has garnered over 250,000 signatures from Canadians and will remain open for signatures until June 20.

Although the petition primarily serves a symbolic purpose and lacks legal authority, those with at least 500 signatures and support from a member of parliament typically prompt a governmental response. However, given the possibility of parliamentary dissolution due to a spring election, a response is uncertain.

The petition was started by an author from British Columbia and has received the endorsement of MP Charlie Angus from the New Democratic Party. Angus, who has served as the MP for Timmins–James Bay for two decades, has announced he will not run for re-election.

The BBC has reached out to his office for a statement.

Tensions between the US and Canada have intensified following Trump’s return, with the president hinting that Canada could one day become a US state while also threatening tariffs on steel, aluminum, and various imports.

In response, Canadian leaders have vowed to implement counter-tariffs.

The dispute has extended beyond political circles, as Canadians are canceling trips to the US, boycotting American goods, and expressing their discontent during sporting events by booing opposing anthems.

Musk moved to Canada from South Africa at the age of 18, initially taking on various jobs before attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later relocated to the United States.

The billionaire has shown support for Trump’s strict immigration policies, but is now facing scrutiny over allegations of working illegally in the US while on a student visa.

In a recent interview, Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Trump, labeled Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant.”

Musk has refuted these claims, maintaining that he did not engage in illegal work. According to a recent biography, he became a naturalized US citizen in 2002.

The BBC has attempted to contact Musk through his various business ventures for a response.