New Delhi: In a quick response after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that he would quit, US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his long-standing suggestion that Canada should become the “51st state” of the United States.
In the post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that many Canadians would hail the idea, mentioning the economic advantages of merging with the United States. “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.”
Trump wrote: “The United States can no longer suffer the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.” He added that Canada’s merger with the US would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and ensure Canada’s security against threats from Russia and China. “Together, what a great nation it would be!!!”
Donald Trump on Justin Trudeau’s resignation pic.twitter.com/453WPzLaoq
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) January 6, 2025
Earlier too, Trump has proposed the idea of Canada merging with the US. While having a meeting with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump had suggested that if Canada’s economy were to collapse due to US tariffs, the country could join with the United States, with Trudeau as its “governor”. Responding to the suggestion, Trudeau reportedly pointed out that such tariffs would severely impact Canada’s economy.
Trump’s statements also brought up his earlier comments about Canada’s political future, including a December post where he jokingly proposed that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky could run for Prime Minister—or even become Canada’s “governor”. Trump has repeatedly flayed Canada’s trade practices, particularly its trade deficit with the US and its stance on migrant issues. Previously, Trump had warned to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports if they fail to take more stringent action to curb migration and prevent fentanyl from entering the US territory.
