Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, wasted no time in responding to Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement, bringing up his long-held suggestion that Canada may join the United States as the “51st state.”
Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that some Canadians may be interested in the idea, citing the economical advantages of a US-based merger. The country can no longer rely on its enormous trade imbalances and incentives to keep its economy running. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned”, Trump wrote. He continued, claiming that for a merger would reduce taxes, lower fees, and maintain Canada’s protection against challenges from Russia and China. ” Up, what a great country it would be!! “!
Trump has previously pushed the idea of Canada joining the US. During a conference at his Mar-a-Lago location with Trudeau, Trump suggested that if Canada’s business were to crumble under US taxes, it may connect with the US with Trudeau as its “governor”. According to Trudeau, for tariffs would allegedly damage the nation’s economy.
Trump’s comments also revisited his past suggestions about Canada’s political potential, including a December article joking that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky may work for Prime Minister—or also function as Canada’s “governor”. Trump has long criticized Canada’s trade practices, particularly its trade deficit with the U. S. and the country’s handling of migrant issues.
After almost a decade in power, Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of his tenure. He has been battling declining poll numbers for months and internal party division. Trudeau made the announcement that he would step down once the Liberal Party had chosen a replacement leader, leaving him as interim prime minister until then.
While Trump’s suggestion may seem tongue-in-cheek, it reflects a more serious underlying criticism of Canada’s economic policies and the strain in US-Canada relations. Trump had previously threatened to impose a 25 % tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico if they didn’t take stronger measures to stop immigration and stop fentanyl from entering the US. His criticism of Trudeau’s resignation seems to support his assertion that Canada may be vulnerable to further US economic and political discord.
