“Many people in Canada [would] LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump wrote on social media, arguing that such a merger would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and reinforce Canada’s security against potential threats from Russia and China. “Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” Trump added.
Trudeau, in a Monday press conference, announced he would leave his post as Liberal leader but remain in office until a successor is chosen. He has not publicly addressed Trump’s latest comments.
Trump has previously threatened a 25% tariff on Canada unless Ottawa curbs drug trafficking and illegal migration. In response to Trudeau’s objections, Trump reportedly quipped in late November that if Canada could not withstand such a policy, it should join the United States as the 51st state—with Trudeau serving as governor.
On the potential of forming an “economic union” with the United States, Trump is said to have consulted Kevin O’Leary, a prominent Canadian investor and star of the reality show Shark Tank.
Still, the idea shows little support in Canada, where only 5% of respondents in a December poll by the Angus Reid Institute favored joining the United States.
Trump’s remarks characterizing Canada as “the 51st state” and calling Trudeau its “governor” date back several weeks. Trudeau responded last month with a brief video post offering “some information about Canada for Americans,” though he gave no direct reply to the idea of joining the United States.
(jh)
Source: PAP